Statement on the Heartbreaking News From Washington, D.C.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., and our hearts go out to their families, loved ones, and colleagues. Any act of violence is devastating, and this incident has shaken all of us.

The individual identified as the alleged shooter has no relationship to JFS.

We also want to affirm a truth that remains unchanged: the actions of one individual do not represent the values, character, or contributions of the thousands of Afghans who seek safety in the United States, many of whom served alongside our military and diplomatic missions. They are our neighbors, our coworkers, and our partners in building stronger communities in the Puget Sound region and throughout the United States.

JFS was founded 133 years ago to support Jewish immigrants as they built new lives here in the Pacific Northwest. We have never wavered from our Jewish value to “welcome the stranger.” JFS remains committed to supporting Afghans, as well as refugees and immigrants from throughout the world, as they rebuild their lives with dignity and security, and we stand with all who are in shock and sorrow today.