We are saddened and horrified by the stabbing of several people at a Hanukkah celebration in a rabbi’s home last night in Monsey, N.Y. We stand in solidarity with the Monsey Jewish community, and we pray for the wounded to heal quickly and completely.

This is only the latest in a string of violent anti-Semitic attacks throughout the United States, especially in New York. While it is painful that in this particular incident Jewish people were targeted for celebrating the Festival of Lights, we know that just like the Maccabees our community will persevere and prevail.

Hanukkah, translated into English, means “dedication.” We are grateful for the dedication of the law enforcement officers who apprehended the suspect shortly after the attack. And this evening we will light our Hanukkah candles with a poignant sense of dedication to the Pittsburgh Jewish community and pride in our Judaism.