The Penn Jewish Studies Program Response to the anti-Semitic murders in Pittsburgh, on 10/27/18
The Jewish Studies Program at the University of Pennsylvania condemns the anti-Semitic murder of eleven worshippers in the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, on Saturday, October 27, 2018. As Steven Weitzman wrote in his message from the Katz Center, this was “the most deadly anti-Semitic attack in U. S. history, [which] was meant as an attack against Jews in general, their place as a part of American society, and the work of the refugee agency, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS).”
We mourn those who died, and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families. We send our hopes for recovery and healing to the injured congregants and to the police officers who were wounded in their effort to stop the shooter.
As scholars of Jewish history, literature, and culture, we deplore the current political atmosphere that has fostered an increase of anti-Semitism and bigotry. We stand strong in our commitment to teach critical thinking, to pursue knowledge, and to promote understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect. We will be strong; we will be strong together with every group in our society targeted by racism and bigotry.
Sincerely,Kathryn HellersteinRuth Meltzer Director of the Jewish Studies ProgramOctober 29, 2018