Gillibrand, Nolan, Weprin On Mass Synagogue Shooting
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Assemblymembers Catherine Nolan (D-Sunnyside, Ridgewood, Astoria, Woodside, Long Island City, Maspeth, Queensbridge, Ravenswood, Dutch Kills, Blissville) and David Weprin (D-Richmond Hill, Fresh Meadows) ash released the following statements regarding this weekend’s devastating hate crime and mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA.
“It is hard to find the words to express how heartbroken and devastated I am. The United States is supposed to be a safe haven for the Jewish people, where you can worship freely and honor the Sabbath without coming under attack. The tragedy at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh is a reminder that we cannot take that for granted, that anti-Semitism is real and it is dangerous, and that we must keep doing everything we can to completely and unequivocally oppose this form — and all forms — of bigotry,” said Gillibrand.
“Yet even in this heartbreaking moment of despair, I am comforted by the resiliency of the Jewish community: You remain devoted to your values and you continue to use them to make our society a better and more just place to live, even in the face of bigotry and violence. I will always stand with you against anti-Semitism and I will continue doing everything in my power to make sure our synagogues are as safe as they are sacred,” she added.
Nolan said in the wake of the tragedy which occurred at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh this weekend, her deepest sympathies are with the families of the victims of this unconscionable act of violence.
“In the face of such hatred, it is vital that we stand together with the congregation, the first responders, and the entire Jewish community in solidarity and support. I extend my support to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society as well, in recognition of the work they do for so many. Now more than ever, all of America must try to remain united, and work to meet the challenge of ensuring freedom, safety and peace for everyone,” said Nolan.
Weprin, an orthodox Jew, said he was saddened and appalled to learn of the despicable attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh as he ended the Sabbath.
“An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us and murder committed against one group is a murder committed against all humanity. We must stand united against anti-Semitism and all forms of hate. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families and Pittsburgh community,” Weprin said.
Avella Stands with Residents Regarding Quality of Life Concerns Near Bayside LIRR Tracks
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, Floral Park, Jamaica, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Briarwood) today will stand with residents who live near the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) yard in Bayside to demand the LIRR address quality of life concerns at the yard.
The LIRR allows large trucks to enter and exit the site at night, store large steel beams, allows food to be thrown out in dumpsters which creates a foul odor, and sprays a cancer-causing weed killer without notice to residents.
Avella and the residents will make their stand at 10 a.m., today, Oct. 30 at the dead-end of 217th Street near 41st Avenue in Bayside.
Sanders On 6th Anniversary Of Hurricane Sandy
State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Rosedale, parts of Far Rockaway) yesterday recalled it has been six years since Hurricane Sandy struck his district with devastating force, and though the passage of time has helped the community heal and come together it can never erase the memory of what took place.
“Sandy showed us that nature not only nurtures, but sometimes it kills. The growing intensity of the wind was the first reminder, followed by the driving rain, houses shook, trees fell and our spirits dropped. Then the power went out. Looking outside we saw rivers where there were none before,” he recalled.
“The water in my basement rose to over five feet. I refused to leave my district during the storm, and like many Rockaway residents sheltered in place. I saw first-hand the brutality of the hurricane as it battered the peninsula, flooding streets and destroying homes. As we move forward, let us not forget the loved ones we lost, the lessons we learned and the progress we have made.”
