March 24, 2019 – Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh

As we continue to absorb the verdict in the Michael Rosfeld homicide case, the numbing impact on our community is palpable.

The JCC’s Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement continues to affirm that diverse people and communities can learn from each other’s grief and triumphs, be comforted and strengthened by each other, act in solidarity against bigotry and hate, and reclaim a public sense of security and well-being for all.

A local editorial expressed what so many of us are feeling…

“No one wins when someone’s child is still dead. No one wins when part of the population feels vindicated by the verdict and part feels victimized. No one wins when another Rose-Rosfeld could happen again in a stopped heartbeat.”

This joint statement by the Pittsburgh Foundation and Heinz Endowments urged us to do even more:

“As a community and as individuals, we must hold fast to our respect for the judicial process and the validity of the jury’s decision, even as we demand greater accountability for the future. We offer our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Antwon Rose’s family. And we must finally come to terms with the critical issues of fairness and equity for all, not only in how the law is applied, but in how we treat and care for each other in our daily lives.”

The Center For Loving Kindness is committed to the healing and resilience of ALL members of ALL Pittsburgh communities every day, regardless of the headlines and breaking news.

As we move forward, we are guided by the words of one of America’s most respected rabbis, Abraham Joshua Heschel:

“In a free society, all are involved in what some are doing. Some are guilty, all are responsible.”

We remain committed to our mission to change the meaning of neighborhood from a geographical term to a moral concept.

To learn more about our ongoing activities or to participate, visit our website at https://jccpgh.org/center-loving-kindness/

Jimmy Ruttenberg                                                   Brian Schreiber
Chair of the Board                                                   President & CEO