Dear Pelham,

On behalf of the entire Pelham Jewish Center community, I would like to express our gratitude for your support in the weeks since the attack in Pittsburgh. These have been times of fear and insecurity for Jews across our country, yet you have done everything in your power to make us feel cared for, protected, and secure here in our home in Pelham. 

The Pelham Manor Police department reacted immediately upon learning of the attack, posting a patrol car outside of the PJC before many of us in the Jewish community had even learned what had transpired. Their presence, support, and advice has been invaluable and reassuring as we look to the future. The outpouring of love and concern from the community has been incredibly thoughtful. We have received letters and phone calls, visits and flowers. Each has shown us that we are not alone and that we are in the thoughts and minds of the good people of Pelham.

Most moving was the overwhelming turnout at the memorial service that we held on the day after the shooting, and then the following week at #ShowUpForShabbat. Our sanctuary was filled to capacity with members of the Pelham Jewish Center and the wider community, all of whom came together to declare with one voice that such hate is unacceptable and that we are all vital members of our society.

This vicious attack reminds us that the specter of antisemitism – indeed, of hatred and bigotry in general – has not been erased from our society. The best efforts of good people have forced it out of the mainstream but we must be vocal in our belief that such bigotry has no place in American society.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to all,

Rabbi Alex Salzberg

Editor’s note: Originally posted on the Facebook page of the Pelham Interfaith Council.