National LGBTQ Task Force Condemns the Anti-Semitic Attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue
WASHINGTON-DC: On the anti-Semitic attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh today, National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey said:
"Today, the National LGBTQ Task Force joins others in outrage and heartbreak at the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The attack on Jews, particularly during Sabbath worship, is horrific and unconscionable. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and community. We condemn this attack. Whether at the hand of a shooter, or from the mouth of Trump and other elected officials, anti-Semitism and defense of white supremacy is unacceptable. We will continue the work to ensure that all people can worship, and that all people can be who they are without fear of violence."
From Illinois Holocaust Museum
Dear Community Members,
We are saddened by the senseless terrorist attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. It feels like we are living in a nightmare, grieving for the victims and their families. We are sorry for them, and we are sorry for our nation. Horrific acts of antisemitism and other forms of bigotry and hatred, for example, the domestic terror massacre at Mother Emmanuel Church, are increasingly scarring our country and world. They are pure evil, perpetrated by evil and stoked by evil, hateful rhetoric.
One of the few things that can offer solace at these dark moments is coming together as a community. The Museum family has received caring messages of support and solidarity from DuSable Museum, The Muslim Community Center Interfaith and Outreach Committee, Syria Faith Initiative, and more.
While answers feel elusive, we must fight this evil together. We must redouble our efforts as a community, nation and world to find our common ground and recognize our common humanity. We must hold accountable those who speak of the "other" and disparage groups of our fellow human beings.
Words matter, and those in positions of power must wield them thoughtfully and as tools to repair our world. We can and we must use our voices and our privileges as citizens to demand leaders who help us create peaceful communities built not on hate but on tolerance and mutual respect and who help us work towards the day when never again is a reality.
Fritzie Fritzshall, President Illinois Holocaust Museum
Susan Abrams, CEO Illinois Holocaust Museum
From the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches:
The Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches (CCWC) denounces in the strongest possible terms the violence and loss of life perpetrated Saturday morning at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. All forms of antisemitism are an affront to humanity and must be rejected. As a collaboration of more than 80 churches and other ministries which welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, we proclaim all houses of worships must be free from violence and places of peaceful gathering open to all. We morn with all the Children of Abraham, all faith traditions, and those with no religious affiliation the lives lost. We also stand particularly with Jewish members of the LGBTQ community as they grieve.
All member congregations of the CCWC are supported in their own statements regarding this tragedy.
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