Maria Cantwell: “the Jewish New Year is a time for celebration, prayer, and reflection. As friends and family commemorate the high holy…”

“the Jewish New Year is a time for celebration, prayer, and reflection. As friends and family commemorate the high holy days which begin tomorrow evening, Jewish communities across Washington State and around the world will come together, consider the past, and look to the year ahead. Rosh Hashanah brings new beginnings and new energy; Yom Kippur calls for atonement and forgiveness. These ideals extend beyond religion or race--they build common ground and inspire shared sacrifice. All of this was threatened by an act of senseless violence and hate this summer in Seattle. We cannot give in to that hate. During these days of repentance and renewal, I share a commitment to ending violence and to living with one another in peace both around the world and here in our own communities. Yet we are still shocked and saddened by the pain and loss of July 28, 2006, when a gunman driven by hate, forced his way into the offices of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. He killed one woman and wounded five others before surrendering to police. Our community tries to recover, but we are stunned. The King County Prosecutor said: "Make no mistake, this was a hate crime." I mourn the loss of Pamela Waechter, a beautiful woman and warm spirit who lost her own life while trying to improve the lives of others. All across Washington State we have been asking the same questions. How could such an event happen in our community?”