The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh is saddened and horrified by the shooting that killed one and injured several others at Chabad of Poway in San Diego County, California earlier today. We join the entire Pittsburgh community in sending our most heartfelt sympathy for the victims’ families and for those injured.

“We are all too familiar with the consequences of what can happen when people with hateful ideologies target a synagogue or other house of worship,” said Meryl Ainsman, Chair of the Board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. “We stand in solidarity with Chabad of Poway, the San Diego Jewish community and all Jewish people throughout the world. We are prepared to assist in any way we can. May the victim’s memory forever be a blessing.”

Currently there is no additional information or threat to the Pittsburgh area Jewish community as a result of the shooting. We will continue to monitor the situation in partnership with the Secure Communities Network and local law enforcement. The Secure Communities Network, the national homeland security initiative of The Jewish Federations of North America & the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, works with Pittsburgh through the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s community security program.

For the bereaved families, we offer the traditional Jewish condolences, “May the families of the fallen be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.” We also offer a Refuah Shlema, a traditional Jewish prayer for healing for those injured and for all sickened by this tragedy, including the people of Pittsburgh who may be re-traumatized by this attack. We urge anyone who feels the need to talk to call Jewish Family and Community Services Counseling Services at 412-422-7200 for support. At night and over the weekend, you can talk with someone right away by calling the Center for Victims Hotline at 1-866-644-2882.