New York, NY—In response to the attacks at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh over the weekend, Executive Director of the Women’s Refugee Commission Sarah Costa issued the following statement:

“All of us at the Women’s Refugee Commission offer our heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the families of people killed and injured during a domestic terror attack at the Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday. The gunman targeted people whose house of worship had partnered with HIAS, the Jewish refugee resettlement agency with a remarkable history of aiding refugees.

“HIAS works in partnership with synagogues around the country to foster a welcoming environment for refugees who come to the U.S. seeking safety and to help them acclimate and rebuild their lives.

“The members of the Tree of Life synagogue represent the best we can be as humans and were met by the worst kind of monster. We mourn with the families of the victims and stand in solidarity with the synagogue, with HIAS, and with refugees.”