Today marks the five-year anniversary of the antisemitic terrorist attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg. As we reflect on past Jewish suffering, we remain shocked and stunned by the atrocities committed on October 7 in Israel. As we are grieving the events occurring in Israel and Gaza right now, I reflect on the pervasive nature of antisemitism and its effects on all of us.
As we reflect on this solemn anniversary and the ongoing conflict, let us come together with open hearts and minds, finding strength in community and hope in constructive dialogue built on empathy and understanding.
It is more important than ever that we lean on our community during these trying times. These past few weeks, I found solace by surrounding myself with the Orlando Jewish Community. I felt less isolated.
I am Israeli. This situation is deeply complicated and personal. It’s not easy to discuss, but it’s more important than ever to find ways to engage in constructive dialogue. In my role as CEO, I am committed to fostering conversations within my community, even on issues where we may not all agree. But as a mother, an Israeli, a Jew, and a human, I am heartbroken by the brutality and cruelty that Hamas has unleashed on my homeland, and the resulting violence towards the people of Gaza.
We talk about civil discourse as a need in a democratic society. For productive dialogue to happen, we need to have empathy.
Talli Dippold
Chief Executive Officer
