Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative to NYPD, Local Shomrim Societies: 'Thank You!'

Statement on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Congregation Tragedy

The Brooklyn Jewish Historical Jewish Initiative (BJHI) represents the history of America’s largest Jewish population center which also has been the victim of heartbreaking anti-Semitic acts and incidents.

The BJHI joins in condemning the brutal act of an individual who invaded Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Congregation, and took the lives of 11 innocent Pittsburgh residents, Jewish members of the Congregation and injured six people including four uniformed officers bravely there to defend our Jewish brothers and sisters. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and friends.

At the same time, we have seen the joining together of Americans of all religious, ethnic and racial backgrounds to stand with our Jewish community, and at a time of great divisions in America, this is a welcome sign that we can find harmony even at a time of great adversity.  It has been Brooklyn’s history that people of varied ethnicities and religions live side by side, with common understanding, and so we welcome all comments of peace between people.  It is our firm belief that all our communities are in this together, to protect each other, for that is our religion’s teaching, and our humanity.

The Pittsburgh attack is an extreme case of anti-Semitism by an individual, making us all aware of the fragility of life, and our need to safeguard and remain vigilant even at places that we would consider safe spaces, such as our synagogues and schools. 

And so, we take this opportunity to thank the NYPD and the local Shomrim Societies for watching over us and protecting us. We as individuals need also remain aware, as we, each of us, have a responsibility for each other. We will always remember those whose lives were taken and offer our heartfelt condolences to their families. In memory A'H 

In memory A'H 

Joyce Feinberg        Richard Gottfried

Rose Mallinger        Jerry Rabinowitz

Cecil Rosenthal        David Rosenthal

Sylvan Simon            Bernice Simon

Daniel Stein                Melvin Wax

Irving Younger

Source: BJHI