We are horrified and deeply saddened by today’s attack at Chabad of Poway, California, in which, according to the latest reports, one person has been killed and three others have been injured in what appears to be an act of white nationalist terror. There are no words to describe our anguish at once again seeing Jewish worshipers, as in Pittsburgh just six months ago, targeted by a vicious act of xenophobic hatred — while they stood together in community to observe Shabbat and celebrate the final day of Passover.
At this time, all of our thoughts are with the victims, their families, the Jewish community of Poway and of the wider San Diego area and J Street’s own San Diego chapter. We hope for the speedy recovery of the wounded and stand ready to do all that we can to aid this community in its time of pain, mourning and need.
The forces of hatred and xenophobia in this country continue to target and victimize the Jewish community, along with many other vulnerable minority communities. They are targeting us in our synagogues, our churches and our mosques. We will continue to do all that we can to stand together with our fellow American Jews and with our allies in these communities to confront and combat the scourge of anti-Semitism, white nationalism and bigotry in all of its forms.