Jewish Legislative Caucus issues statement condemning vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Rep. Dan B. Frankel July 29, 2024 | 4:42 PM
HARRISBURG, July 29 – Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus Co-Chairs Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Dan Frankel issued the following statements today condemning the antisemitic vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
“The vandalism of Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is an instance of the increasingly frequent expressions of antisemitism in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While this did not occur in my own community, my heart goes out to all those who have been hurt or feel unsafe as a result of this display,” said Schwank, D-Berks. “Any expression of antisemitism is an attack on all our Jewish communities, families, friends and neighbors. It is disgusting, it is unacceptable and it has no place in our commonwealth.”
“Vandalizing Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is not only an antisemitic attack on pillars of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community, but an attack on the values of tolerance, respect and community that we as Pittsburghers hold dear,” said Frankel, D-Allegheny. “Hate has no place in Pittsburgh or anywhere else, and we must stand together to denounce such acts of intolerance.”
Last week, Frankel joined various other state leaders at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh to announce the availability of $10 million in funding for nonprofit organizations to enhance security through the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program. Since last year, the amount available has doubled under the program, which was established to help houses of faith and other community organizations strengthen their security measures.
“The Jewish Legislative Caucus extends its fervent support to the Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and thanks Governor Josh Shapiro for his swift and decisive condemnations of both vandalism incidents,” Frankel and Schwank said. “Our caucus remains committed to fighting antisemitism wherever it manifests in Pennsylvania.”
More information about the Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus is available at pahouse.com/JLC.