Pittsburgh Rabbis Lambaste U.S. Rep. Summer Lee's Israel Stance

PITTSBURGH, PA — More than two dozen rabbis and cantors from the Pittsburgh area expressed anger Tuesday over U.S. Rep. Summer Lee of Swissvale's recent positions on the Israel-Hamas war.

The group released an open letter to Lee indicating their anger and frustration over Lee's vote against a pro-Israel resolution, overwhelmingly approved by the House, and her backing of a resolution supporting a ceasefire in the war.

“We call on Rep. Lee to exercise better leadership and join her colleagues in upholding the moral obligation for Israel to protect its citizens against Hamas, reflecting our nation’s strong and unwavering stance against terrorism,” the letter stated.

Among those signing it was the Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who survived the Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Squirrel Hill five years ago in which 11 people were shot to death in the nation's worst antisemitic attack.

Lee was one of 10 representatives who voted against the pro-Israel resolution. The ceasefire resolution, of which she was one of 17 lawmakers to support, was dubbed "grotesque" in the letter.

Lee on Wednesday denounced recent antisemitic property damage in Frick Park near Tree of Life.

“The vandalism and antisemitic targeting of a Jewish community member’s property in Frick Park as we commemorate five years since the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting is completely unacceptable and wrong," she said in a statement. "I condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms. I will continue doing everything in my power to fight back against hate and ensure our Jewish community feels safe and protected.”