Friend— I reach out to you today with a heavy heart.
We strongly condemn the hate-inspired killings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Our condolences go out to those who have suffered losses and injuries during this horrific event.
Our community knows all too well the grief and fear provoked when a faith service is attacked. And we know that anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, and hatred represent horrible stains on our democracy. When these stains are embraced by elected officials and demagogues who prey on the fears and lowest common denominators within our nation, we all suffer.
We must say no to hate, fear-mongering and the demonization of differences. We must express our opposition to hatred. We must support those individuals, institutions, and organizations which call for inclusion. If we remain silent, then those who champion stratification and division will win.
Today, we must not only come together to pray but stand up against hatred. We join our friends in the Jewish community in mourning the victims of this heinous attack and will continue our fight to eradicate bigotry in all of its forms.
In solidarity,
Derrick Johnson
President and CEO
NAACP