President Joe Biden on Sunday marked the sixth anniversary of a gunman91裸聊视频檚 deadly attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue and called out what he called an 91裸聊视频渁ppalling surge of antisemitism91裸聊视频� amid the war in Gaza.
The 2018 attack claimed the lives of 11 worshippers from Dor Hadash, New Light and Tree of Life congregations, which shared space in the synagogue in Squirrel Hill, the heart of Pittsburgh91裸聊视频檚 Jewish community. Two worshippers and five responding police officers were also injured in the attack, the deadliest act of antisemitism in U.S. history.
Biden said in a statement that the attack 91裸聊视频渟hattered families, pierced the heart of the Jewish community, and struck the soul of our nation.91裸聊视频� But he said that in the years since, the Jewish community 91裸聊视频渉as also shown the country how to courageously turn pain into purpose91裸聊视频� launching 91裸聊视频渁 global initiative to counter hate and hate-fueled violence.91裸聊视频�
Biden noted that the remembrance of the Pittsburgh synagogue attack comes weeks after the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack in Israel 91裸聊视频渄uring which Hamas killed more than 1,200 people, took another 250 hostage and committed horrific acts of sexual assault.91裸聊视频�
He said the trauma and losses of Oct. 7 are made worse by 91裸聊视频渢he appalling surge of antisemitism against Jews in America and around the world.91裸聊视频�
The attack sparked a war between Israel and the militant group Hamas and has resulted in widespread destruction and civilian deaths in Gaza.
Biden said his administration was implementing a national strategy to counter antisemitism, including securing $1.2 billion for security of nonprofits such as synagogues and Jewish community centers and day schools. He also cited the Justice Department91裸聊视频檚 investigation and prosecution of antisemitic hate crimes and said his administration had 91裸聊视频減ut colleges on notice that antisemitism is discrimination91裸聊视频� and barred under laws protecting civil rights.
Vice President Kamala Harris also cited a rise in antisemitism in a statement marking the anniversary of the Pittsburgh attack.
91裸聊视频淚 will always work to ensure the safety and security of Jewish people in the United States and around the world, and will always call out antisemitism whenever and wherever we see it,91裸聊视频� she said.
The Pittsburgh attacker was sentenced to death last year after being convicted on 63 counts, including hate crimes resulting in death.
In June, ground was broken for a new complex on the Pittsburgh site that is to include a cultural center, sanctuary, educational center and museum along with a memorial to the slain worshipers from three congregations.
