Oct. 30, 2018: Unspeakable acts against the Jewish community

Dear Bucknellians,

Thank you for gathering here this evening in support of our students — and our Jewish community broadly — so deeply affected by this weekend’s unspeakable tragedy in Pittsburgh. I’m traveling on behalf of the University, and regret that I cannot be with you, but I wanted to offer a few words nonetheless.

Anti-Semitism is among the most ancient expressions of hate. Sadly, the senseless murders at the Tree of Life is a continuation of millennia of often deadly acts aimed at the Jewish people and culture throughout the world. America is not — and never has been — immune to this devastating reality. Yet, we find ourselves in a point in history in which these expressions of hate are increasingly emerging from the dark, twisted shadows in our society into the mainstream. Organizations that track hate groups, such as the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, report striking increases in anti-sematic acts in America.

Swastikas on college campuses — including our own.

Torch-carrying men marching in public, chanting "Jews will not replace us."

The deadliest attack on the Jewish people in American history.

Anti-Semitism in an undeniable, increasingly visible reality in the United States.

We cannot afford to avert our eyes to this harsh reality, just as we cannot ignore the ever-present expressions of hate and hate-fueled violence against marginalized people everywhere. Instead, we must face the terror, sadness, and visceral anger that each of us may be experiencing.

But I do hope that, in the community expressed here tonight, we can also find some measure of comfort, and some degree of hopefulness.

In the Jewish tradition, the "Kaddish" is a common ritual embraced by many as a part of worship. When used in remembrance of those who have passed, especially a member of one’s family, the Kaddish does not focus on the loss of a loved one, but rather on praising God despite that loss. That can be more than difficult to accept.

Whether or not there is a deity in your traditions and beliefs, my hope is that somehow, someway, aided by the community we witness here tonight, we can express our sorrows together, but also hold up one another as we reject hate, embrace peace, and love unconditionally.

Thank you.