The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition (PJC), along with the Jewish Federations of  Greater Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Greater Pittsburgh, Lehigh Valley, Northeastern  Pennsylvania and Reading, stands in solidarity with Governor Josh Shapiro and his  family in condemning the violent attack on their home during the first night of  Passover.

On April 12, 2025, a man walked more than an hour from his home to the  Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, carrying beer bottles filled  with gasoline. He firebombed the very room where, just hours earlier, the  Governor and his family had hosted a Passover Seder. The attacker also brought a  hammer, reportedly intending to physically harm the Governor, who was asleep at  the time with his family.

The attacker admitted to “harboring hatred” toward Governor Shapiro. While it has  not yet been determined whether this act will be formally classified as a hate crime,  the symbolism of attacking a residential space used for a Jewish religious  observance by a Jewish Governor on Passover cannot be overlooked. The  individual also reportedly expressed political resentment and publicly claimed to  harbor ill will toward the government, citing self-described economic frustrations.  While the investigation continues, the convergence of these factors, especially  given the long history of antisemitic pogroms on the Passover holiday, raises  serious concerns and pain for our community.

Antisemitic attacks have risen significantly across Pennsylvania and the United  States in recent years. These acts must not be tolerated in any civilized society.  Everyone has the right to worship freely, and our differences should not only be  tolerated—but embraced and celebrated.

As Governor Shapiro said of the attacker, “If he was trying to terrorize our family,  our friends, the Jewish community who joined us for a Passover Seder in that room  last night, hear me… No one will deter me or my family or any Pennsylvanian  from celebrating their faith openly and proudly.”

In that spirit, the Shapiro family hosted a second Seder the following night — standing firm in their Jewish identity and values. We commend them for their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to faith and freedom in the face of hate.

Jonathan Scott Goldman, Chair, Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition                             
Zachary Benjamin, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg                              
Jeri Zimmerman, CEO, Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley                                
Daniel Chejifec, CEO, Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania                   
Michael Balaban, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia                                   
Jeff Finkelstein, CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh    
Brian Chartock CEO, Jewish Federation of Reading                                       
Hank Butler, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition                                                                      

The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition advocates on behalf of the Jewish Federations and communities across the Commonwealth, guided by Jewish values and focused on public policy initiatives including the funding, regulation, and delivery of human services, fighting hate, and advancing religious tolerance and security for all Pennsylvanians.