Jewish Dems Condemn Trump’s Silence After Arson of Gov. Shapiro’s Residence, Targeting of Shapiro Family after Passover Seder

 Following the arsonist attack on Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, during the first night of Passover, Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), strongly condemned the hateful attack, as well as President Trump’s silence. Soifer released the following statement:

“Jewish Dems are deeply disturbed by the unconscionable attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his family on the first night of Passover. We call on President Trump to condemn this hateful act of violence targeting one of the country’s leading Jewish officials, and to dedicate all necessary resources to the investigation.

“On the very night that Jews around the world gathered to celebrate Passover, Governor Shapiro and his family were tragically targeted by a hateful arsonist, who intended to inflict harm. We are shocked the perpetrator was able to gain access to the Governor’s home, and horrified by the fire that ensued in the very room where the Governor held a Passover seder mere hours before. 

“This incident is traumatic for Jewish Americans, who have felt the rise of antisemitism and hate throughout the United States and the world. On the holiday of Passover, when we celebrate our freedom from oppression, we are thinking of those afflicted by hate and condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms.

On President Trump’s refusal to condemn the arson targeting the Shapiro family, Soifer added:

“While President Trump claims to be an ally of the Jewish people, his relative silence in response to this Passover arson attack on Governor Shapiro speaks volumes. Rather than swiftly condemning this incident or thanking first responders who ensured no one was injured, Trump has only said he would ‘look into’ what occurred. 

“We are disgusted, but not surprised, by Donald Trump’s insufficient response to this event and failure of leadership. In response to a violent, premeditated attack on one of the country’s leading Jewish officials and governors, it is expected for leaders to work across the aisle, as Governor Shapiro did when he oversaw law enforcement’s response to the assassination attempt on Trump last summer in Butler, PA.

“We continue to be grateful for the first responders who protected Governor Shapiro and his family as we wait for more details, and call on President Trump to put politics aside and condemn this hateful act of violence.”  

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