In sorrow at the hateful act in Pittsburgh

October 27, 2018

Dear Members of the Mount Holyoke Community,

It is with great sorrow that I write, in the wake of the unspeakable act of hatred at the Tree of Life Synagogue today, to express the shock, sadness, and sincere condolences of all of us at Mount Holyoke College, and to extend our support to the Jewish community in Pittsburgh, in the Mount Holyoke community, and everywhere.

That this heinous act comes on Shabbat, and after a week of attempted violence against public officials in the form of mailed pipe bombs, is a painful reminder of the fragility of our democracy, of the cowardice of terrorism, and of the hatred and antisemitism that has been fostered in the hearts of some.

In this era in which some condone and promote hate speech, while often signaling violence as a means to subdue differences in ideas, culture, and ideology, we must be unwavering in our respect for the beliefs and values of others and in our commitment to engage across difference, and unrelenting in our pursuit of equity.   

As we confront yet another act of violence perpetrated against individuals meeting in a place of worship, all of us must remember to aspire to higher ideals and loftier goals for our own behaviors and for those who would call themselves our leaders. We must all be more committed than ever to espousing values and ideals that run directly counter to those who would promote hatred, divisiveness, and fear.

Tonight the Jewish Student Union Board will be holding a vigil in Eliot House at 8:00 pm, where they will conduct Havdalah to close Shabbat and then hold the space for mourning and support.  In the days, weeks, and months to come, we must remember to continue to reach out and support one another.  We must continue to come together as a community and to do so with love, care, and concern for each other, and for all those who need our support.

With you in grief and mourning for the loss of life,

Sonya Stephens
President