Courage at Tree of Life

We might think that the congregations and members of the Tree of Life Synagogue where 11 innocent people murdered by a hate-filled gunman ten months ago would be relieved to hear that prosecutors are seeking the death sentence for his crimes. Instead two of those congregations have spoken against this option, obviously deciding that "do not repay evil with evil" is a Jewish precept as well as Christian. I admire them greatly for their stance which strangely will not be popular with some in a country which often appears motivated by blood lust and retribution. God be with them as they continue their recovery. 

(RNS)  — Two of the three congregations that met inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh said they were saddened and disappointed with the news that federal prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against a man accused of killing 11 Jews at their place of worship last year.Leaders of both the New Light and Dor Hadash congregations had written to Attorney General William Barr to beg him not to pursue capital punishment for Robert Bowers. Four of the 11 people killed in the massacre, considered the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history, were members of those congregations.

But on Monday (Aug. 26), five federal lawyers filed a motion in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, saying Bowers’ alleged crimes justify a death penalty sentence. They cited five reasons, including Bowers’ lack of remorse, his religious animus toward Judaism and Jews and his substantial planning and premeditation. Rabbi Jonathan Perlman of New Light Congregation vowed Tuesday to continue to fight the death penalty, which he believes is contrary to Jewish teachings. He also said it would re-traumatize the survivors of the Oct. 27 massacre.