Tree of Life, other Jewish organizations receive threats by mail
The Tree of Life and other Jewish organizations in the region have received threatening letters.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh said it was aware of the threats delivered by mail and is working with the FBI and law enforcement officers in active investigations.
“While deeply disturbing, we want to assure our community that safety and security remain our top priority,” Federation said in a statement to the Chronicle. “Our Federation security team continues to monitor the situation closely and is working to ensure that all Jewish institutions remain protected.”
Carole Zawatsky, CEO of the Tree of Life, called the threats a reminder of the need to end hate in all forms.
“We are more committed than ever to uprooting antisemitism and building compassionate, courageous communities,” Zawatsky said.
The Tree of Life building was the site of the worst incident of antisemitic violence when a gunman killed 11 people celebrating Shabbat from three congregations — Congregation Dor Hadash, New Light Congregation and the Tree of Life or L’Simcha Congregation. Joyce Fienberg, Richard Gottfried, Rose Mallinger, Jerry Rabinowitz, Cecil Rosenthal, David Rosenthal, Bernice Simon, Sylvan Simon, Daniel Stein, Melvin Wax and Irving Younger were all murdered in the attack.
Alan Hausman, president of the Tree of Life Congregation, said these types of threats occur all too often in all communities, whether they are Jewish or not.
“The letter our congregation received will not stop us from practicing our Jewish faith and living our values. Like Jewish communities everywhere, we take security seriously and are carefully preparing to safely and joyously celebrate the Jewish New Year in the coming weeks,” he said.
This article was shared by the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle.
