With profound sorrow, I condemn the antisemitic attacks that have wounded our nation in recent weeks — the June 1 Molotov-cocktail attack on Jewish walkers in Boulder, Colorado, and the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. These assaults on innocent lives spring from a hatred that goes against the tenants of all world religions. Antisemitism is a grave sin against God and humanity, and it has no place in the heart of a just society.
While many have legitimate concerns about the war in Gaza, targeting civilians with violence can never be justified. Pope Leo expressed his own heartfelt cry, “I am deeply hurt by what is happening in the Gaza Strip.”
I ask the faithful of the Diocese of San José and all people of goodwill to join me in fervent prayer for the healing of the injured, the consolation of grieving families, and the conversion of hearts, so that peace may be sought, beginning in our hearts, and the dignity of all humanity might be respected. May our voices and actions always stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters, witnessing to the dignity of every person of every religion and to the peace that God wills for the entire human family.
† Most Rev. Oscar Cantú
Bishop of San José