DEAR EDITOR:

“Anyone who destroys a single life,

destroys an entire world.”

(Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5)

On behalf of the Jewish communities in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys, the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation is horrified and heartbroken over the shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. Grief and sorrow have descended upon our hearts and we are praying for the victims and their families.

Our community knows all too well the pain, grief, and fear of violent attacks against those who come together to learn, pray and partake in community. The vile statements of hatred uncovered in the shooter’s social media accounts is truly alarming and is representative of the growing threat to all good people of conscience.

Our sincerest condolences are with our Catholic friends throughout the Diocese of Youngstown and to all who are in grief following this heinous and unthinkable crime. We are here for you today, and in the months and years ahead, as you navigate the tremendous loss that has touched your community.

In a world that seeks to divide, we are forever grateful to live in a community that brings people of different faiths together. Bishop Bonnar and the Catholic community have shown up time and again for our Jewish community when we have faced moments of heartbreak and suffering. During this current time of crisis, we stand with you, offering our prayers, support and all else that is needed.

May we all continue to work for a world that is free of senseless violence, ridding evil from our midst. Sacred spaces must remain sacred — sanctuaries remaining as sanctuaries and schools as schools, all free of terror and hate. As we commit to building worlds of peace and love, we sit with you in your grief, your mourning, and your anguish. Let the souls of the innocent rest in peace, and may their memories forever be a blessing.

MARK HUBERMAN

Youngstown Area Jewish Federation board president

LISA LONG

Youngstown Area Jewish Federation CEO

NANCY BURNETT

Jewish Community Relations Council advisory board chair

BONNIE DEUTSCH BURDMAN

Youngstown Area Jewish Federation executive director, community relations/government affairs