Statement from Adelphi University President Christine Riordan in response to the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh

Dear Adelphi community,

I am distraught and saddened by the hateful violence that occurred this weekend at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We at Adelphi–a community of diversity and unity–call the act senseless.

I know I speak for every member of our Adelphi family when I say that our hearts go out to all those harmed and affected by this attack and that we join together in condemning all acts of intolerance, hate, bigotry and violence toward others.

This latest event of anti-Semitism is now a tragic reality for our Jewish friends and community members, for the Squirrel Hill and Pittsburgh communities, and for our country that endures these acts of hatred and violence too regularly these days.

Our flag flies at half-mast this week, and Rabbi Jacob, D.D., together with our Interfaith Center will host a service on our Flagpole Lawn today at 5:00 p.m. for all faiths to come together and commemorate the lives lost in Pittsburgh. 

Please join them, and please join me, in believing and demonstrating how tolerance and unity are more powerful than these tragic events we witnessed this weekend.

All the best,

Christine M. Riordan, Ph.D.
President