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October 30, 2018
Unifor mourns the devastating attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday, October 27, 2018. The union stands with the Jewish community at this tragic time.
In the wake of the deadliest attack against the Jewish community in U.S. history, we mourn for the victims and turn our thoughts to preventing future acts of right-wing terror.
Canada is not immune. Anti-Semitic hate crimes are on the rise, Statistics Canada data shows that Jewish people continue to be targeted and that the crimes are becoming more violent. In fact, violence targeting all religious minorities in Canada has increased sharply in recent years. This pattern is mirrored in the United States and in countries around the world.
“Attacking people of faith in their place of worship is a disgusting, heartbreaking act of violence. On behalf of the 315,000 members of Unifor, I reach out to the communities affected with sympathy and love. No one should suffer or fear violence on the basis of their religion,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.
In Canada, we are approaching the two-year anniversary of the massacre at a Quebec City mosque, an attack that took the lives of six worshippers. In cities and towns across the country, attacks against religious minorities is becoming increasingly common.
“Our union has faced hate head-on in our past, in our wider communities and within the union. Anti-Semitism and all forms of hate must be confronted with strength and with certainty,” said Christine Maclin, Unifor Human Rights Director. “All acts of racism add up to the violent white supremacist culture that is being perpetuated today. When you see this hate around you, whether it’s from friends, family, or coworkers, speak out and put a stop to it.”
Unifor encourages all members and local unions to bravely unite against hate, and call out anti-Semitism and racism wherever it takes root.
Members are also encouraged to support the Tree of Life congregation through a GoFundMe page. https://www.gofundme.com/tree-of-life-synagogue-shooting
