Our prayers are with the members, family, and friends of the Poway synagogue, and with the Jewish community worldwide. Anti-Semitism must stop. The attacks on Christians must stop. An attack on one is an attack on us all. We must speak up with one voice.


+ + Heroism and miracles

Heroism and miracles combined Saturday at the synagogue to limit the loss of life. Just after the alleged shooter opened fire, a brave woman, Lori Kaye, gave her life to protect Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein.

According to Rabbi Goldstein's sister, the Rabbi was in the right place to confront the shooter in the synagogue's foyer just before he entered the filled sanctuary. The rabbi lost two fingers when fired upon, but the gunman’s rifle jammed. About that point an Iraq war veteran inside the synagogue charged the shooter, yelled, and startled the killer who ran out to his car.

The veteran gave chase and was pounding on the gunman's car when a Border Patrol agent, also at the synagogue, yelled "Clear back, I have a gun." The agent "fired five rounds or so into the car," the veteran told the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Police later caught the shooter, 19-year-old John T. Earnest, who spewed anti-Semitic slurs when he burst into the synagogue. The shooter had posted a twisted anti-Semitic manifesto online, charging "every Jew" with the "planned genocide of the European race."


+ + Hatred for Jews can never be tolerated

The synagogue attack took place six months after another gunman massacred 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. These attacks are disturbing evidence of rising anti-Semitism in America and show why hatred for Jews can never be tolerated in our land.

And that’s especially true in Congress where Democrats have failed to forcefully condemn, by name, the anti-Semitism of Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Rep. Ilhan Omar.

Giving nationally known leaders a pass when it comes to anti-Semitism sends a powerful message. It tells sick minds that this kind of hate is allowed. We cannot let that happen.

Our hearts are grieved and yet we are also angry. This deadly assault--which could have been a massacre but for God's help and human heroism--shows why you and I must never stop speaking out on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people.

We cannot be silent. We cannot allow this ancient hatred to gain acceptance in our land. We must raise our voice on Israel’s behalf, both in prayer for the peace and security of Jerusalem, as Psalm 122 instructs, and by publicly siding with the Jewish people.

And that's why I'm grateful for your friendship. Thank you for standing with CIDI as we stand in defense of Israel and the Jewish people. Your gift strengthens everything we do and helps us make our combined voice that much louder.


Sincerely,

Mat Staver
Chairman
Christians in Defense of Israel