Sacramento, CA – The California Legislative Jewish Caucus released the following statement in response to the shooting at a Chabad synagogue in Poway, California:
"We are horrified to hear about a shooting at the Chabad in Poway on Shabbat. The news is still developing, but we know that one person was killed and several were injured, including a child.
"The victims were in synagogue also celebrating the last day of Passover, a holiday where we retell the story of our liberation to remind us of the importance of fighting for freedom for all. Our Jewish community is still reeling from the Pittsburgh attack, and feeling heartbroken over the recent attacks at other places of worship in Christchurch and Sri Lanka. With this very stark rise in hate-motivated violence, many of us are not feeling so free.
"Places of worship should be safe. Expressing your faith should never feel risky.
"The California Legislative Jewish Caucus has consistently secured and continues to advocate for nonprofit security funding to help ensure the safety of those who wish to practice their faith. But we must do better as a society to rid ourselves of this need. Rather than retreat into isolation, we must stand with our brothers and sisters of faith and fiercely fight for a world of inclusion, diversity, religious and social pluralism, and love.
"Our hearts go out to the victims, the Poway Jewish community, and people of faith everywhere who are affected by this tragedy."
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