President Joe Biden commemorated the sixth anniversary of the tragic attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue, where a gunman claimed the lives of 11 worshippers and injured several others. The attack, which occurred in 2018, targeted congregants from Dor Hadash, New Light, and Tree of Life congregations, located in Squirrel Hill, the heart of Pittsburgh's Jewish community. This devastating incident stands as the deadliest act of antisemitism in U.S. history.
In a statement, President Biden expressed his sorrow over the attack, acknowledging its profound impact on the Jewish community and the nation as a whole. Despite the tragedy, he highlighted the community's resilience in transforming pain into purpose by launching initiatives to combat hate and violence globally.
President Biden also drew attention to the recent surge of antisemitism, particularly amidst the conflict in Gaza. He condemned the violence in Israel, where Hamas's actions resulted in significant casualties and atrocities. The ongoing trauma and losses, coupled with rising antisemitism worldwide, underscore the urgent need to address and combat such hatred.
To address antisemitism, President Biden's administration has initiated a national strategy, allocating $1.2 billion for the security of nonprofits, including synagogues and Jewish community centers. Additionally, efforts are underway to investigate and prosecute antisemitic hate crimes, with a focus on protecting civil rights and combating discrimination, particularly in educational settings.
Vice President Kamala Harris echoed President Biden's sentiments, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Jewish communities both domestically and internationally. She pledged to denounce antisemitism wherever it arises, underscoring the importance of standing against such bigotry.
The perpetrator of the Pittsburgh attack was sentenced to death last year after being found guilty on multiple counts, including hate crimes resulting in death. In a symbolic gesture of remembrance and resilience, a new complex is being constructed at the site of the synagogue, featuring a cultural center, sanctuary, educational facilities, and a memorial honoring the victims of the tragic incident.
