PITTSBURGH – A World Jewish Congress delegation led by WJC President Ronald S. Lauder is in Pittsburgh to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community following the horrific deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday, that claimed the lives of 11 people. This was the deadliest attack on a Jewish community in the United States in history.
President Lauder and the WJC delegation joined the community and hundreds of supporters at an official interfaith gathering and vigil, organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh in collaboration with synagogues and Jewish organizations, in conjunction with partners from other faith communities, government leaders and Pittsburgh residents.
The WJC delegation will remain in Pittsburgh for the coming days, as the community mourns the victims of the attack.
In the aftermath of the attack, Lauder said: “This Shabbat, our worst nightmares came true. Innocent people were killed and wounded for the simple crime of being Jewish. This was an attack specifically targeting the Jewish community, in a deliberate and callous manifestation of antisemitism and hatred, and it should serve as a wake-up call to all Americans that such horror can and has happened here. We must be vigilant in making sure that this never happens again,” he said.
Those who wish to leave a message of condolence and solidarity to the community and the families of the victims are invited to do so here.
Members of the delegation pay their respects at the Tree of Life Synagogue.
