OPINION:
It is appropriate and timely that the House of Representatives — which rarely achieves unanimity on any issue — voted 429-0 this week to condemn antisemitism and recognize the accomplishments of American Jews.Â
The measure comes at the commencement of the trial for the man who committed the worst act of anti-semitism in American history: the slaughter of 11 peaceful, decent human beings at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue.
I used to live a mile from Tree of Life and had visited it a number of times over the years. What took place there on a modern day of infamy has shaken me to the core despite my not personally knowing any of the slain.
Like many good-hearted people, Jew and gentile alike, I am brought to tears by the accounts of the survivors and the loved ones of those killed. These people are modeling extraordinary strength and courage as many of them come face-to-face in the courtroom with the individual who shattered their lives through his baseless hatred.
Words have consequences, particularly when spoken or written by individuals of influence. That is why it is so critical that those with the power to sway others model respect and tolerance for those of other races, faiths and sexual orientations. Only then can we have the hope of living in a society of peace and goodwill.
OREN SPIEGLER
Peters Township, Pennsylvania
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