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Recognizing the American Jewish Committee’s #ShowUpForShabbat movement in remembrance of the first anniversary of the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and calling on all Philadelphians to raise their voices for a world free of anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hate.
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WHEREAS, On October 27, 2018, 11 lives were lost due to an act of anti-Semitic hatred at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, #ShowUpForShabbat was initiated by AJC following the cold-blooded murder of these Jewish worshipers during Saturday morning services. Exactly six months later, on April 27, also during a Shabbat service, the Chabad House in Poway, California was attacked, leaving one Jewish congregant dead; and
WHEREAS, The Citizens of Philadelphia have shown their outrage and disgust at rampant anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia has been blessed with a wealth of houses of worship of every denomination and proud of its citizens of every race, color, and creed; and
WHEREAS, #ShowUpForShabbat is a movement calling on all people of good conscience to gather at Shabatt services in the Philadelphia area for the weekend of October 25th - 27th; and
WHEREAS, Last year, millions of people showed solidarity for #ShowUpForShabbat through engagement on social media, media coverage, and by attending services. Synagogues across the region and nation were full in the largest ever expression of solidarity with the American Jewish Community; and
WHEREAS, This year the AJC hopes for continued engagement against hatred by encouraging all people to attend Shabbat services the weekend of October 25th - 27th; and
WHEREAS, It has been said that tragedy does not build character, it reveals it; and
WHEREAS, Together, Philadelphians, Jews and non-Jews alike, proclaim, we are not afraid, we are not alone, and we are acting against hatred and anti-Semitism; and
WHEREAS, The AJC invites all Philadelphians to participate in #ShowUpForShabbat 2019; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That the #ShowUpForShabbat movement of the AJC is recognized and all Philadelphians are called on to raise their voices for a world free of anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hate.
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