Standing Together with Our Pittsburgh Jewish Community

San Francisco, CA – Yesterday's shooting on Shabbat at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA was a direct attack on the Jewish community, motivated by hatred. The anti-semitism and xenophobia that fueled these violent acts have no place in our society. We grieve and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families, and the Jewish community and city of Pittsburgh.

The late Mister Fred Rogers, beloved resident of the Squirrel Hill neighborhood where the Tree of Life Synagogue is located, once said:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

Those words don't just comfort us, they empower us. They remind us of our Federation's vision to create a vibrant, caring, and enduring Jewish community that is a force for good. The Federation does this in many ways - through collaboration with agencies like JCRC, convening partners, coordinating volunteer opportunities, providing philanthropic support, and developing resources to strengthen the security of our Jewish organizations. In that spirit, the following are some ways that you can help.

Attend a Local Vigil or Gathering

Below are events taking place today to gather in solidarity.

San Francisco

12pm: Temple Emanu-el, in partnership with the Federation (2 Lake Street)  

7pm: Or Shalom Jewish Community (625 Brotherhood Way)

Peninsula

1pm: Modesto's Congregation Beth Shalom (1705 Sherwood Ave)  

4:30pm: Hillel at Stanford (White Plaza, in the middle of campus)  

4:45pm: Palo Alto's Chabad (3070 Louis Road)

7pm: Los Altos Hills' Congregation Beth Am, in partnership with the Federation (26790 Arastradero Road)

7pm: Foster City's Peninsula Sinai Congregation (499 Boothbay Avenue)

North Bay

6:30pm: Tiburon's Kol Shofar (215 Blackfield Drive)

7pm: San Geronimo Valley's Gan HaLev (6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd)

Support Those Affected by the Shooting

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has created the Our Victims of Terror Fund for psychological services, support for families, reconstruction, additional security throughout the community, medical bills for all those involved, as well as counseling and other services that may prove necessary in the future.

Support Organizations Combating Hate and Violence

Below are some organizations that our donor advised fund holders and supporting foundations have supported through their personal giving.

  • ACLU, which works to defend and preserve the civil rights and liberties, including religious freedom and racial justice
  • ADL, the world leader in fighting anti-Semitism
  • HIAS, committed to protecting our community and others form hatred and violence, providing assistance to refugees from around the world who immigrate to the United States

This is a painful time for our community and our country. Please don't forget to take care of yourselves and loved ones, and remember that we are stronger when we act together. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Lazeh - all Jews are responsible for one another.

In peace and strength,

 

Danny Grossman                    Jim Heeger
Chief Executive Officer          Board Chair

###

The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund connects people of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives to the power of the Jewish community to improve the world. We partner with donors, organizations, and foundations to address pressing issues facing our community, and develop innovative strategies that result in deep and lasting impact locally, in Israel, and around the world. Learn more at www.jewishfed.org.

For immediate release

October 28, 2018

Share