Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
Proclaiming that the City of Madison Mayor and Common Council stand in solidarity with, and support of, the families of those slain at the Tree of Life Or L’Simcha in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the congregation and the community it serves.
Body
WHEREAS, the Jewish people have been an integral part of the American fabric since colonial times; and,
WHEREAS, the Tree of Life Congregation was founded more than 150 years ago; and,
WHEREAS, on October 27, 2018, a gunman entered the synagogue and opened fire on the congregation during Shabbat morning services; and,
WHEREAS, the this horrific incident resulted in the loss of eleven innocent lives and nine injuries; and,
WHEREAS, the assailant was enraged at the role of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) which in its own words, “Welcomes the Stranger, Protect the Refugee.” by assisting refugees from Kenya to Ecuador to settle across the U.S. and in Madison; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has a strong and lasting relationship with our Jewish community,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and our faith partners in recognition that we are all wounded by this attack and the resulting tragic loss of lives; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we oppose the distinct form of hate known as anti-Semitism, on the rise worldwide, and rooted in virulent conspiracy theories about the power of Jewish people in society; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that by standing together we send the message to other would-be terrorists, and those who may share their toxic views, that such racial hate will not be tolerated; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we follow the compassionate and forgiving example of love displayed by the families of those who lost their lives that “hate does not win”; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we stand in solidarity with and support of the families of those slain, the Tree of Life Or L’Simcha and the Pittsburg community it serves; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Mayor, Common Council, city staff and others will stand for a moment of silence during the reading of the names of those who lost their lives:
• Joyce Fienberg, 75
• Rich Gottfried, 65
• Rose Mallinger, 97
• Jerry Rabinowitz, 66
• Cecil Rosenthal, 59
• David Rosenthal, 54
• Bernice Simon, 84
• Sylvan Simon, 86
• Daniel Stein, 71
• Melvin Wax, 88