It is with deep sorrow that I write to you again about a violent attack on the American-Jewish community. This Shabbat morning, a gunman opened fire at Chabad of Poway, California, during the synagogue’s Passover Holiday Celebration. According to the latest information we have, one woman was killed and at least three others, including a child, were injured.

We pray for the families of the victims and the speedy recovery of the wounded, and express our gratitude to law enforcement and security forces, who responded quickly to the incident and apprehended the shooter.

We are outraged and saddened by this latest attack on American Jews, carried out six months after the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. We will not succumb to fear. The atmosphere of intolerance that is pervading our country and the increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes in the United States is deeply worrying. We call on all Americans to put a stop to hate, and we ask that our leaders work to unite us.

Our synagogue has been in touch with our security consultants, and they have assured us that our security is comprehensive and adequate. Over the past few years we have poured enormous resources into physically hardening our building against potential threats — and there are many security measures in place that you can see, and others that you cannot. Currently, there is no known threat against the Jewish community in New York City. Nonetheless, we will increase security presence in front of the synagogue building this week while we continue to consult with security professionals, and review our protocols as necessary.

We continue to pray for the day when all people shall dwell together in peace.