The Pittsburgh Shooting

Sadly, while the massacre at a synagogue in Pittsburgh was extraordinarily shocking, it was not entirely surprising.

There has been a frightening uptick in anti-Semitic incidents and an alarming upsurge in hate crimes stemming from religious intolerance. Jewish students are habitually harassed on college campuses because of their religious status and Israel advocacy. The subtle anti-Semitism we witnessed in the past has regrettably morphed into more overt and brazen acts. There is a dangerous undercurrent that had been percolating beneath the surface, yet it has since materialized into the mainstream. This heinous and heartless attack is another frightening step in a terrifying progression of anti-Semitism in the U.S.

This must serve as a wake-up call for all of us that racist rhetoric has real ramifications, and it is time to work collaboratively to stem the tide of hatred in our country. Before the next tragedy strikes, our nation has to unite against unadulterated bigotry. Regardless of one’s race or religion, we must stand together and proclaim “Never Again.”