Statement by State Senator Boucher about the Weekend Shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh

Our hearts broke when we learned that the celebration of a new life, in a house of worship, became a scene of violence and death because of the poison that festered in the soul of a sick individual. This man’s hatred leaves an indelible stain of anguish in a place of love and peace.

This past year gave witness to a more than 50% increase in anti-Semitic acts, some that have taken place in our own Connecticut communities. In an attempt to address this, the General Assembly passed legislation requiring Holocaust education in all our public high schools. I believe that teaching about the atrocities of the past will help us fight against the hatred in our present and prevent future horrors.

As peaceful people, we must confront racism, bigotry, and hatred with education, love, and acceptance. We must be examples that we love our neighbors as ourselves.

I pray for the people of the Tree of Life Synagogue, the people of Pittsburgh, and all victims and witnesses of violence impacted by this unspeakable tragedy. I pray for peace, love, and understanding and for an end to hate. Those in the Jewish community should know that we stand with you in defiance of bigotry in any form and are ready to support you in any way that we can.