Religious Studies Statement on the Tree of Life Tragedy

Our hearts ache over the tragedy on October 27 at the Tree of Life synagogue, home to three congregations, Tree of Life-Or L’Simcha; New Light; and Dor Hadash. We mourn the loss of those who died and grieve with our neighbors, friends, and families affected by the horror that occurred. Antisemitism is on the rise in our nation. We must give it no sanctuary. In honor of its victims in our city and around the world, we vow in solidarity to work to eradicate the hate and ignorance that allow it to persist. Attempts to incite fear of others for political ends are despicable. We embrace immigrants and refugees from all religious and racial backgrounds, and we stand united with the Jewish and non-Jewish organizations aiding them in their resettlement. Our department remains steadfast in its commitment to researching and teaching about religion to provide our students and the wider public with knowledge that leads to understanding and mutual respect, and strives to counter lies and hatred.

Faculty and Staff of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Pittsburgh -