On behalf of the Chicago Jewish community, the leaders of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago applaud law enforcement in arresting a suspect in the Sept. 12 arson attack against the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, Fla.

“An attack against any religious institution anywhere in the United States is like an attack against our own religious institutions right here at home,” said David T. Brown, JCRC Chairman. “We are thankful that law enforcement officials have identified a suspect in this hateful attack; further, we believe it is important and appropriate that, if convicted, the suspect be subject to Florida’s hate-crime enhancement.”

“As a Jewish community and people of faith, we well know that attacks that target a community’s sacred space take a heavy toll on individuals, communities, and our society as a whole,” said JCRC Executive Director Emily Sweet. “Our collective challenge as Americans, from all faith communities, is to strongly condemn such acts of violence and build bridges of trust and open channels of communication, and to break down barriers that lead to hate.”