To the Editor:

Congregation Adath Israel of Newtown and the Jewish Federation of Southbury would like to share this statement from the Jewish Federation of North America, which eloquently reflects the views of the majority of our local Jewish community. —The Board at Congregation Adath Israel

“With broken hearts, but unbroken resolve, The Jewish Federations of North America join the entire Jewish community and decent people everywhere in expressing grief and outrage at the heinous murder of innocent people at Congregation Etz Chayim, Tree of Life, in Pittsburgh yesterday. The anti-Semitism and xenophobia that led to this unspeakable bloodshed while Jews are engaged in peaceful worship — or anywhere in the world under any circumstances — must be condemned in no uncertain terms by leadership and the general public alike. Hatred and vitriol must have no quarter in any aspect of our country, for they not only contravene the sacred promise of America, they violate the moral and ethical core of our society.

JFNA is proud of the outpouring of support and solidarity from the 147 Jewish Federations and 300 Network communities across North America, as well as from the entirety of communities, organizations, and the State of Israel. We see this as a moment of great unification of purpose. We must use this opportunity to unite our cities, states, and nation to ensure that no such tragedies recur in any community of any persuasion. We must tap our outrage to effectuate positive change and safeguards, letting our officials know that we stand ready to work with them to make it so.

The Jewish Federations are deeply grateful to the first responders — several of whom were severely injured — who rushed to the scene to serve and support their community. We salute all law enforcement efforts, at great personal risk, who sought to save lives and preserve order and the City, State, and Federal officials and agencies who stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends and colleagues in Pittsburgh. We know that they and their families share our sadness and concern, and they are our heroes.

We also know that our colleagues at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, led by our friend and superb CEO, Jeff Finkelstein, and Chair Meryl K. Ainsman, Past Chair Cynthia Shapira and all leadership and participants, are working around the clock to support a bereaved community, even as they grieve themselves. That, too, is what Federation does.

Our Secure Community Network (SCN), as always, is working behind the scenes and without fanfare to confront terror like this when it happens and to prepare communities with the tools they need to both prevent and cope with such events. SCN immediately deployed assets to support the Federation’s security experts as they deal with this horrible situation.

We make this sacred and solemn vow that we will stand united and in partnership with our elected officials and good people everywhere to work together towards the day when no community is vulnerable to such attacks. Anti-Semitism and xenophobia are contagions that infect societies and end in tragedy, not only for Jews, but for all humanity. We call upon our neighbors and friends to act with us as we bring the full force of our collective system to bear on this tragedy; we will not rest until the last remnant of such hatred is eradicated from our midst.

We send our profound sympathy to the families and friends of those murdered; we pray for the speedy and full healing of the wounded, and comfort for their loved ones. We vow our solidarity and support to our Pittsburgh family. May the memories of the murdered be a blessing and a clarion call to action for all of us.”

Mark Wilf, Chair of the Board

Jerry Silverman, President & CEO        October 28, 2018