Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory issued the following statement Dec. 30, following a string of attacks that have targeted the Jewish community in recent weeks:

The rise of anti-Semitic incidents in our nation, including the recent horrifying attack in Monsey, New York, against Jews who were celebrating Hanukkah, is deeply disturbing. This hateful action and others like it have created tremendous fear among our Jewish brothers and sisters. I pray for the swift recovery of the victims and all affected by this terrible tragedy.

The Catholic Church has condemned anti-Semitism and any form of discrimination or hatred against Jews in the strongest possible terms, and we continue to do so today. Along with Catholics of the Archdiocese of Washington, I stand in support of and solidarity with all members of the Jewish community in these difficult moments. We must work together with all people of good will to eradicate all attitudes of hatred and bigotry that lead to such actions, and seek to build bridges of trust, mutual respect, and dialogue among members of all faith communities.

I invite Catholics of the archdiocese to accompany and support our Jewish neighbors in these tragic times. In walking together, we can give an effective witness against anti-Semitism and work to protect the rights of people of every religious tradition to practice their beliefs openly and without fear.