Our heartfelt condolences…
October 30, 2018
David Harris, Chief Executive Officer
John Shapiro, President
American Jewish Committee
Dear Sirs,
Please permit us to convey, however inadequately, our heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss
of 11 innocent souls at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, along with the injuries
sustained by the six who were wounded and the emotional trauma inflicted on all of those who
were present.
As the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history, this massacre has brought to
the attention of all Americans the dangers inherent in an increasingly polarized society where
hate crimes are up 57% since last year alone. We note with great sadness that 54% of those
crimes were reportedly against members of the Jewish faith. This senseless act of violence was
an attack on all people of good will, who mourn with you in this loss.
We feel compelled to note that in the struggle of Bahá’ís for religious freedom in Iran, few, if
any, have more generously offered support than organizations of the Jewish community. From
HIAS, which has processed hundreds of Iranian Bahá’í refugees in Vienna to organizations like
the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League, which have supported
efforts to draw attention to the persecution of Iran’s Bahá’í community, the resolve to arise in
defense of those affected by religious intolerance has been superb.
The Bahá’ís of the United States offer their prayers for those attacked in Pittsburgh and for the
healing of the deep scars created there, and will continue to work towards the bridging of the
divisions within our society.
With sympathy and warmest regards,
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF
THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES
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