WE STAND UNITED WITH PITTSBURGH JEWISH COMMUNITY

Our collective Jewish heart mourns for the 11 souls that were taken from us by senseless hatred on 10/27 in Squirrel Hill, PA. To everyone affected by this tragedy, we stand alongside you with grief and sadness. We are especially mind of our Maccabi USA alumni and supporters who are members of the Tree of Life Synagogue and Pittsburgh Jewish community. While none in our Maccabiah family were victims, when it comes to this type of evil, we are all affected. The painful irony is that while this is believed to be the deadliest attack on Jews in American history, we are all too familiar with the long history of anti-Semitic terrorism, including when in a previous generation the 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team were murdered in Munich.

Both then and now, we dwell in the valley of tears, recalling those who have been killed in these horrific tragedies. Our prayers continue for those who have been injured and on their recovery including several law enforcement officers. Despite our shock, may we never forgot the important role we have to be a “light unto the nations” and keep the torch of hope for a brighter future burning.

In friendship and peace,

Jeff Bukantz, President
Rabbi Darren Levine, Team Rabbi
David Snyder, Executive Director
Maccabi USA