April 29, 2019 [St. Petersburg, FL] — Elizabeth Gelman, Executive Director of The Florida Holocaust Museum issued the following statement today: On the final day of a major Jewish holiday, six months to the day of the deadliest attack on Jews in the history of the United States, a man with an assault rifle opened fire in a California synagogue. One woman was murdered, two men and an eight-year-old girl have been hospitalized. The victims were shot solely because they are Jews. First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the members of the Congregation Chabad in Pomay. At the same time, we cannot stay silent as the threat of antisemitism in our country grows. People of all faiths should not have to live in fear of going to their houses of worship. The Florida Holocaust Museum and our partners at other Holocaust organizations around our state and country will continue to teach about the Holocaust because we must continue to illustrate where unchecked antisemitism and hatred can lead. The Florida Holocaust Museum’s mission centers on cultivating and promoting respect for all. Our communities must be united in our response. We must stand up to the values that make our nation great. We must commit to speak out against hatred and bigotry wherever we encounter it. This violence must stop. We will continue to make our voices heard, and we call on all civilized people to do the same. We will continue to work until statements like this are no longer necessary. The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of millions of innocent men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The Museum is dedicated to teaching the members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides. About The Florida Holocaust MuseumOne of the largest Holocaust museums in the country, and one of three nationally accredited Holocaust museums, The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of millions of men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The FHM is dedicated to teaching members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides. For additional information, please visit www.TheFHM.org. |