FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 28, 2018

CONTACT: Elliot Levy, [email protected], 202-800-7409

New York – In response to manufactured smears against Linda Sarsour involving her fundraising efforts for the Pittsburgh Jewish community following the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, Stosh Cotler, CEO of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, released the following statement:

“We are disgusted by concerted efforts to spread lies about Linda Sarsour’s sincere support for the victims of the Tree of Life shooting and for the American Jewish community. Following the shooting, Linda immediately jumped in to support us in our time of mourning, attending vigils, and promoted fundraising efforts for funerals and for the safety and security of Tree of Life and other Jewish institutions in Pittsburgh. These baseless smears not only seek to vilify Linda, they also serve to erase the incredible outpouring of love and solidarity from the American Muslim community in the wake of the largest antisemitic massacre in our country’s history.

“We see these shameful and disgusting attacks against Linda for what they are: attempts by the political Right to divide our communities by attacking a woman of color leader and exploiting anti-Muslim bigotry. And we see Linda’s actions and allyship for what they are: a long history of standing with all targeted communities out of love and justice.

“We recognize that there are a variety of strongly-held viewpoints in the Jewish community, and we affirm that we do not have to agree with each other or with our allies on everything. But the confusion and pain that some in the Jewish community feel about Linda’s leadership should not be conflated with this right-wing attempt at character assassination. We are living through existential times that require discernment, discipline, and enormous heart. We must collectively remain focused on the threat of the growing white nationalist movement and recognize that our safety is bound up with each other.”