Dolan said it was “especially disheartening” to learn that the accused killer in that incident “reportedly identifies as Catholic.”
“Nothing could be more antithetical to our Church’s teachings than this man’s alleged crime,” Dolan said. “And as countless voices celebrate the brutal terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, our Jewish brothers and sisters reasonably fear for their lives.”
The weeks following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks against Israel, in which the terrorist group killed more than 1,300 Israelis and Israel in turn declared war on Hamas, have seen reports of increased antisemitism incidents throughout the world and the United States.
FBI Director Christopher Wray warned Congress this week that the threat of antisemitism “is reaching, in some way, sort of historic levels” in the United States, while incidents of rising antisemitism around the globe have likewise been reported.
“In the face of such base hatred, we must affirm certain fundamental truths,” Dolan said in his statement. “Every human life is of equally incalculable worth. Hating your neighbors is a grave sin against God, who created us all in his image and likeness. Violence only begets more violence, not justice.”
“May those whose hearts have been gripped by hatred repent, and may people of goodwill stand courageously for peace,” the cardinal said.