HIAS Stands With People of Pittsburgh Following Tree of Life Sentencing

The shooting at three Pittsburgh congregations five years ago targeted Jews, in part, for their support for welcoming refugees with dignity and compassion. Today’s sentencing marks the end of the judicial process, but we can never allow ourselves to forget those who were murdered on October 27, 2018. Unfortunately, this wasn’t an isolated incident and it is important that violent extremism, antisemitism and hate not go unanswered. HIAS will continue to work with resolve and conviction for a more just society; we remain in solidarity with all communities targeted by hateful and xenophobic acts.

HIAS stands with the people of Pittsburgh and hope they can continue to heal from the loss and disruption in their community. We pray for a sense of closure, that the memories of those lost will forever be a blessing, and that the Jewish community of Pittsburgh will continue to thrive into the future. 

We are ever grateful for the partnership of Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh for being a source of strength and resolve, and for their important work resettling and supporting refugees, as well as others in the Pittsburgh community who continue to advocate and support refugees. 

We remember always:

Joyce Fienberg
Richard Gottfried
Rose Mallinger
Jerry Rabinowitz
Cecil Rosenthal
David Rosenthal
Bernice Simon
Sylvan Simon
Daniel Stein
Melvin Wax
Irving Younger