On behalf of the entire Chicago Jewish community, the leaders of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago have expressed shock and outrage at the horrific attack at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17.

“We extend our deepest condolences for the victims, their families, and the entire Charleston community,” wrote JCRC Chair Skip Schrayer in a letter to the church . “This attack is an unspeakable crime that can only be described as an act of hate. We stand with you and express our solidarity with your community during this most challenging of times.”

“As a community and people of faith, we deplore any act of violence but particularly one that is perpetrated in a community’s sacred space where people gather for prayer. There is no place for such violence in our society. In this most difficult time of mourning, your community is in our thoughts and prayers” wrote JCRC Executive Director Emily Sweet.

It is in the interest of every American to heal the rifts of hatred that can lead to such terrible events. An attack on any person because of their race, religion or ethnicity is an attack on all people of good conscience, and an assault on the common values that bind our nation together.