The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a statement condemning Saturday’s synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh as “likely the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States.”
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt wrote the statement expressing condolences for the victims and urging action.
“Our hearts break for the families of those killed and injured at the Tree of Life Synagogue, and for the entire Jewish community of Pittsburgh,” he wrote.{mosads}
“This is likely the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States. We are actively engaged with law enforcement to support their investigation and call on authorities to investigate this as a hate crime.”
Greenblatt also put the attack in the context of rising anti-Semitism across the U.S.
“It is simply unconscionable for Jews to be targeted during worship on a Sabbath morning, and unthinkable that it would happen in the United States of America in this day and age.”
“Unfortunately, this violent attack – the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in the United States since 2014 – occurs at time when ADL has reported a historic increase in both anti-Semitic incidents and anti-Semitic online harassment. As we mourn those lost and search for answers, ADL will remain steadfast in its mission to fight anti-Semitism wherever and whenever it may occur.”
The suspect in the shooting, Robert Bowers, reportedly shouted “all Jews must die” as he entered the building, local CBS affiliate KDKA reported.
President Trump also noted the anti-Semitic nature of the crime Saturday.
“It looks definitely like it’s an anti-Semitic crime. That is something you wouldn’t believe could still be going on,” he said.