Arthur Stark, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement:
“We observe on Sunday the anniversary of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history, in which 11 innocent people were murdered simply because they were Jews. We mourn the lives lost and the senseless carnage wrought upon the co-located congregations Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light one year ago. We stand in solidarity with the family and friends of those killed and injured and the entire Pittsburgh Jewish community.
This tragedy ended the age of innocence for American Jewry. It can no longer be said that we are immune to the pandemic of antisemitism. We must learn from this tragedy and work to prevent further occurrences. Security at all communal institutions including synagogues, schools, and centers must be enhanced while we maintain them as inviting and open facilities. The Conference has taken several initiatives which we hope will yield a coordinated, efficient, national approach.
As we mark this solemn occasion, words and condolences are not enough. There must be action from all sectors of government and society. Jews and non-Jews alike must unite against antisemitism in all its forms, at home and abroad, if the increasingly urgent threat of global Jew-hatred is to be confronted.”
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