As the Jewish community of Pittsburgh reels from the arson attack on Governor Josh Shapiro's mansion on Passover, local Jewish organizations strive to comprehend the implications. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh expressed concerns about the timing of the attack, noting the historical significance and the pain it resonates within the community.
David Heyman from the Federation highlighted the disturbing nature of the deed, given the event's concurrence with the Passover celebration. The attacker, Cody Balmer, who faces charges including attempted homicide and aggravated arson, exhibited behavior that some interpret as dismissive, as he was seen sticking out his tongue when being escorted to court. According to Audacy, Balmer’s mother disclosed that her son is mentally ill and was off medication at the time of the incident. President Donald Trump weighed in, labeling Balmer as "probably just a whack job" and adding that such incidents cannot be allowed to happen.
Meanwhile, WTAE reported that the Jewish Family Services and 10.27 Healing Partnership sum up Pittsburgh's Jewish community sentiment. Jordan Golin, CEO of Jewish Family Services, expressed his belief that the arson represented a hate crime aimed to suppress the governor's expression of faith during the holy observance. "To attack someone during this holiday, to try to take away their freedom, to try to disparage them, to kill them, to hurt them, because of their faith is so antithetical to the whole purpose of the holiday," Golin stated.
The community has found fortitude in Shapiro's response, who, during a news conference, proclaimed his refusal to be inhibited by the attempted attack's potential implications on his family and leadership. As investigations continue, the timing of the incident remains a concern, especially with prevailing trends in antisemitism. Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who has firsthand experience with such heinous acts, iterated the potential of this event to exacerbate the trauma within the community. "This can be a moment where it rips the scars off again and continues to provide more reasons for trauma," Myers said in an interview with CBS Pittsburgh.
Both the Jewish Federation and the 10.27 Healing Partnership affirm that despite the attack, traditions will persist, and counseling is available through the partnership for those affected by this or other antisemitic attacks.
