Dear Michiana Jewish Community,
 
The Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley joins with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh in mourning the senseless loss of life after yesterday's murder of 11 peaceful worshipers at Congregation Etz Chayim, Tree of Life Synagogue. May their memory be a blessing. We join with the entire Jewish world, as well as all compassionate people worldwide, in condemning, in no uncertain terms, this and any anti-Semitic or other prejudicial hate filled actions in the United States or anywhere else in the world. We also extend Refuah Shlema to the brave police officers and two other civilians who were injured in the attempt to stop and apprehend the shooter.
 
I am deeply grateful for heartfelt responses we have received from all our friends at the local Christian, Islamic and multifaith institutions as well as many others private individuals. The best response in the face of acts to divide or isolate us is for the entire greater community to come together as one. I humbled by the outpouring of love and proud to be a member of the greater Michiana community.
 
Everyone is invited to our event featuring the multifaith Women Leading a Dialogue group from Israel at 3:00 today at the Federation. Prior to the planned presentation we have asked a couple of our community Rabbis to share some words with us in recognition of yesterday's victims. The event is open to the public.

I invite everyone to please read the attached message from Mark Wilf, Chair of the Board, and Jerry Silverman President & CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America.
L'Shalom,

Ben Davis
Executive Director
3202 Shalom Way
South Bend, IN 46615