The Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue


It is with a heavy heart that we write this statement offering our deepest sympathies to the friends and families of the victims of Saturday morning’s attack, the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue, and the entire Jewish community. We hope for the quick recoveries of those who were injured in any way by this event.

The attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue is the worst of its kind targeting the Jewish people in the United States. As more is learned about the attack, it is important that we not meet hate with hate or violence with violence. It is our duty as an organization focused on human rights and the duty of all who stand for human rights to condemn the perpetrators of such actions in the strongest of terms. It is our duty to stand together to make sure such violence becomes a thing of the past.

We must recognize hate when we see it. We must recognize the danger of hate. We must, above all else, recognize the importance of love over hate. Because of that, we at CGRE will not be giving the perpetrator a platform here. Instead, we want to acknowledge and offer our condolences to the victims of Saturday’s attack.

Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz

Cecil Rosenthal

David Rosenthal

Rose Mallinger

Bernice Simon

Sylvan Simon

Daniel Stein

Joyce Feinberg

Richard Gottfried

Melvin Wax

Irving Younger

We encourage everyone to speak out against the hate prejudices that lead to this kind of attack whether it is seen abroad or in our own homes. Everyone can do their part, however small, to keep hate from taking root in our world.

*A PDF of this statement can be found here.