Democratic Majority for Israel President and CEO Mark Mellman issued the following statement today as we remember the fourth anniversary of the Tree of Life shooting:
“Four years ago, a gunman entered the Tree of Life synagogue as Shabbat services were beginning. In the ensuing horror, 11 lives were cut short in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. In the years since that painful day, the Squirrel Hill community has shown an uncommon courage and resilience.
“Sadly, it’s a time of heightened anxiety among American Jews — because of violent extremism inflamed by the far right and often embraced and excused by too many politicians on the right, because of celebrities who amplify vile conspiracies, and because pro-Israel Jewish students on college campuses face exclusion and harassment.
“Today, we’ll renew our efforts to fight this bigotry wherever we see it and, at the same time, reiterate our demand that political leaders do so as well, as President Biden did so eloquently. Frankly, all people with a moral conscience should speak out about these pernicious lies, tropes, and conspiracies.
“On this day, we’re mourning the 11 worshippers who were victims of this unimaginable act of hatred, and we’re keeping the Squirrel Hill community in our hearts. May their memories be a blessing.”
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