Gov. Josh Shapiro's Message to the Jewish Community After Mansion Arson

Message of Resilience and Faith

• 🗣️ Governor Josh Shapiro delivered a message of resilience and pride to people of all faith communities, urging them "Do not be deterred in practicing your faith."
• 🔑 He emphasized the importance of being proud of who you are, stating that he and his wife are raising their children to feel the same.

Pennsylvania: A Birthplace of Religious Freedom

• 🕊️ Shapiro highlighted Pennsylvania's founding principles as the birthplace of religious freedom, established by William Penn to be a welcoming place for all faiths.
• 🛡️ He assured the community that they are safe in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and that their faith will be celebrated.

A Symbol of Unity and Celebration

• 🔥 The governor described the damage to the governor's mansion, noting a chandelier that had fallen and was covered in soot, resting near where their Passover seder was recently celebrated.
• 🤝 He also mentioned recent events held in the residence, including an iftar dinner concluding Ramadan and his son Rubin's bar mitzvah, underscoring the home's role as a place for diverse religious celebrations.
• 🎄 The governor affirmed their commitment to restoring the space to be warm and welcoming for all faiths, just as it is when the Christmas tree is displayed annually.