U.S. Embassy Statement on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue shooting

Statement from Ambassador David B. Cornstein

October 30, 2018

It is with great sadness that I offer my condolences and respect for the victims of the shooting perpetrated at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  I offer my profound thanks to President Áder, the Hungarian Jewish community, the Government of Hungary, and the many other Hungarians who have joined me in sympathy for the victims.

As I reflect on these horrific murders, motivated by hatred, ignorance and intolerance, I cannot help but reflect on the growing hostility and demonization that is corroding public discourse in the United States and countries around the world.  We must strengthen our respect for one another and seek the common good, even when we come from different faiths, different racial and ethnic groups, different countries, and different political parties.