President Trump honored the victims of the October shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue as he marked the start of Hanukkah and denounced the hatred that Jews still face.
“Jews today continue to face many different forms of violence, hatred, and bigotry around the globe,” Trump said in a Hanukkah message Sunday. “We remember all those from the Tree of Life-Or L’Simcha Congregation whose lives were tragically taken in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this past October.”
“As one nation, we pledge our continued love and support for the victims, their families, and the community, and we pray that the victims’ families find some measure of peace and comfort during this holiday season,” the president continued.
Eleven people were killed when a gunman opened fire during services at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh last month. Police say the suspect, Robert Bowers, 46, made anti-Semitic remarks during the shooting.
He was indicted on 44 federal charges.
In his presidential message, Trump said he and first lady Melania Trump extend their “warmest greetings to our Jewish brothers and sisters in the United States, in Israel, and around the world celebrating Hanukkah.”
“Over the coming days, may the warming glow of each candle on the menorah help fill homes and hearts with love and happiness,” he said. “Together, we reaffirm the truth that light will always break through the darkness.”
[Opinion: What the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter didn’t understand about Jews]
