Democratic Majority for Israel President and CEO Mark Mellman issued the following statement today as we reflect on the first anniversary of the Tree of Life shooting:
“One year ago, a lone 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. Today we stand in solidarity with the Squirrel Hill community as we remember the victims and send our deepest condolences to their friends and families. May their memory forever be a blessing.
“Today we must also acknowledge the troubling and undeniable rise in the number of antisemitic acts, both at home and abroad. Antisemitic incidents in the United States have doubled since 2015, and according to the United Nations, antisemitism rose by 38% across the globe. Last year, extremism murders spiked 35%, with each one committed by a far-right extremist. The effect on the Jewish community is palpable: since the Tree of Life shooting, a quarter of Jews report having avoided visiting Jewish institutions or participating in Jewish events for fear of their safety.
“We expect our political leaders to forcefully speak out against all kinds of bigotry. Unfortunately, President Trump has created a toxic environment in our country where antisemitism, racism and white nationalism continue to fester. This must stop.
“We will continue to call out antisemitism, extremism, and white nationalism wherever and whenever they arise.”
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