Dear members of our Jewish Community,

Like all of you, we have been watching events unfold at the US Capitol today with shock, anger, and fear. As our nation’s elected officials gathered to certify the results of a free and fair election, domestic terrorists violently breached the Capitol building and conducted an outright assault on our nation’s democratic principles.

Elected officials who have continuously sowed discord and mistruths around the election are entirely responsible for today’s violence. We call on them and all members of our government to immediately put an end to the siege of our nation’s Capitol and commit fully to a peaceful transition of power.

Our role as a Jewish organization is to protect our communities’ most vulnerable members and work for the preservation of a just and pluralistic society which fosters conditions in which the American Jewish community is secure and free to flourish. We cannot stand silent in the face of violent extremism and efforts to subvert our democracy. When we do not speak up or take action to protect our fundamental rights as Americans, we leave the door open for continued injustice.

It is up to all of us, regardless of political affiliation, to protect our democracy so that our country can deliver on its promise of inclusiveness, equality, consent, and civic engagement. Tonight, we call on those in power immediately to take action to bring these tragic events to an end. We extend our support to our representatives from Greater Philadelphia, and our Senators Pat Toomey and Bob Casey, who are ensuring our voices and votes are heard and accounted for. We pray for their safety. And we pray that our collective faith in democracy will triumph over those forces that seek to disrupt it.

May the one who grants peace to the heavens, bring peace upon us, upon our nation, and upon the world.