A Message From Kehillah Head of School Regarding Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting in Pittsburgh, PA

Erin Bennett

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Sent: Oct 27, 2018, 6:50 PM

To: Entire Community

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Dear Kehillah,

This morning we learned of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in which 11 congregants and police officers were killed, and more injured. We are heartbroken and angry at this vicious attack on the Jewish community, and we stand in grief and solidarity with the victims of this violence.

Our security and safety team has been in communication with local law enforcement today and there is no reason to believe that the safety of our own school or community is in question. As you know from our one-day closure this past week, the safety of our students is our absolute highest priority.

Our school has a security guard on-site at all times when students are in the building. Our security team is in close contact with the Palo Alto Police Department, Fire Department, and Office of Emergency Services. Just last week, our staff reviewed our safety protocols and reviewed evacuation procedures. We regularly review procedures with staff, and your children can expect us to continue running emergency drills throughout the school year.

Even as we join the Pittsburgh community in mourning those lost, you should all feel safe at Kehillah. We know that some in our community may be particularly impacted by this tragedy. Our Student Welfare Team will identify ways to support our students and staff when they return to school on Monday. Information will be shared on Schoology.

May the memory of those who died be comforted among the mourners of Zion, Jerusalem, and the whole world

Shavuah Tov – may this week be a good one.

DK