GREENSBURG – Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) issued the following statement today on the fourth anniversary of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting.
“Four years ago today, we all watched in horror as the lives of eleven souls in prayer were taken by a lone gunman at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood.
“This assault on the members of the Tree of Life, New Light, and Dor Hadash congregations had rippling effects throughout the American Jewish community, our Commonwealth, and our nation.
“But out of this tragic act, resilience was born. Acts of love and kindness – all of which rang across our southwestern Pennsylvania neighborhoods, Commonwealth, nation, and world – conquered the hate that was acted on that day.
“From the first responders who came to the rescue, to the residents of all ages from the Squirrel Hill community who held vigils, to the outpouring of compassion that was defined by a few words that personify our steel city community – Stronger Than Hate.
“Let’s never forget those words for they not only ring loudly today in the City of Pittsburgh, but also in the towns and communities across Pennsylvania. We are stronger than hate. We are stronger together.”
CONTACT: Erica Clayton Wright
412-334-4856