Lee Statement on MAGA Resolution Treating Antisemitism as a Political Football

Washington, DC – Summer Lee (PA-12) released the following statement:

Lee said, “I condemn antisemitism and xenophobia in all its forms. Whether we’re talking about India, Israel, or Sri Lanka, we are not true allies if we cannot push our partners to uphold basic human rights and democratic values. I cannot vote for unconditional support of any nation-state.”

On background: 

As the Trial for the Tree of Life Synagogue mass shooting continues, Lee is working to deliver millions of dollars in community project funding (formerly known as earmarks) to aid in the renovation process, educate against antisemitism and help the Jewish community respond to and heal from the ongoing trauma. 

In February, Lee toured the site of the massacre and met with Foundation leadership and family members of those killed in the attack. Lee was profoundly moved by what she saw and the conversations she had with family members of those that were murdered about what can be done to help heal from the trauma that remains and their vision for the renovated building as a center to educate against antisemitism and hate. 

• Lee requested $3,451,258 and has secured $1,000,000 for the Tree of Life Congregation to create a community gathering and education space to teach about antisemitism and identity within the renovated Tree of Life building, which The Tree of Life congregation met on Sunday to mark the beginning of the renovation process that will soon transform the site into a museum, memorial and center for education. The plans feature a design that aims to “balance the light with the darkness” and will strive to tell a story of hope and redemption, instead of massacre and sorrow. On Sunday, April 23rd, in the garden outside of the Tree of Life synagogue, congregation members and neighbors came together to say “until we see each other again” to the building that once served as a center of worship for so many in the Jewish community in Squirrel Hill and all of Pittsburgh. 

• Lee requested $547,212 and has secured $547,000 for 10.27 Healing Partnership at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh to respond to and address the ongoing trauma from the 2018 Synagogue Mass Shooting in the lead-up to and in the aftermath of the trial. The goal of this project is to deepen the effectiveness of community-based work initiated by the initial investment from the federal government after the attack, focused on victim support, healing, and increasing the capacity of community partners to navigate trauma and resiliency following this horrific mass casualty event and the ongoing threat of antisemitism, white supremacy, and gun violence