Dear Members of the Lafayette Community,
Earlier today, the board members of the Hillel Society, our campus Jewish organization, sent a message to their membership which included the following words:
“We write to you with heavy hearts regarding the shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh this morning. Three officers were shot, at least 4 people are dead, and the suspect is in custody. The location of the shooting was in Squirrel Hill; the heart of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community…On behalf of Hillel Society, we would like to extend our love and support to anyone in our community that may be affected by the shooting. As always Ethan Berkove (berkovee@lafayette.edu) and Chaplain Alex Hendrickson (hendrica@lafayette.edu) are available to serve as resources to anyone who needs. May their memories be a blessing.”
At this time, we now know that at least 11 lives were lost today in this tragic mass shooting. More information can be found here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/27/us/active-shooter-pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting.html
Members of Hillel, along with other members of the Lafayette community, gathered this evening to offer songs, prayers, and support to one another during this difficult time. Additionally, Temple Covenant of Peace synagogue, 1451 Northampton Street in Easton, will hold a special memorial service for the Pittsburgh shooting victims on Sunday, October 28th at 12:30pm.
Lafayette College is committed to creating a diverse community — one that is inclusive and supportive of faculty, students, and staff. The College seeks to promote diversity in its many manifestations. Anti-Semitic words or actions have no place within our community.
Please provide love and support to one another during this tragic time.
Truly yours,
Alex Hendrickson, College Chaplain