New York, NY — Harriet P. Schleifer, Chair, and William C. Daroff, CEO, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement in response to the antisemitic arson attack targeting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro:
We are outraged by the deeply disturbing arson attack—reportedly motivated by antisemitic and anti-Israel animus—on the residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro while he and his family were inside. The attack occurred on the first night of Passover, a few hours after the family had gathered for their Passover seder.
That a Jewish public official appears to have been deliberately targeted based on his identity and distorted perceptions of his support for Israel underscores the alarming rise in antisemitic rhetoric and violence facing our community.
This heinous act is part of a deeply troubling pattern of escalating threats and attacks against Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States. From Pittsburgh to Poway, Jersey City to Colleyville—and now Harrisburg—American Jews are confronting intensifying hatred, intimidation, and violence.
A political and social climate that minimizes or rationalizes terror against Jews—by countenancing pro-Hamas rallies and encampments—inevitably devalues Jewish life everywhere. The conflation of Jewish identity and public leadership with false and malicious narratives has fueled a climate in which antisemitic violence is not only tolerated, but too often excused or ignored. This must end. Such hatred must be unequivocally condemned.
We commend law enforcement for their swift response and commitment to ensuring the safety of Governor Shapiro and his family. We call on public officials, civic leaders, and all people of conscience to stand united in rejecting antisemitism and all forms of hate.
The Jewish community must not—and will not—live in fear. We stand in full solidarity with Governor Shapiro and with all those working to uphold the values of democracy, tolerance, and mutual respect.
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The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is the consensus-based, central coordinating body representing 50 diverse national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of every member organization.
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