The verdict in the Tree of Life Massacre

The sentencing phase for the individual responsible for the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue has been determined. Robert Bowers received the death penalty.

I have mixed feelings about the death penalty. In this case, though, there was no doubt of Bowers' guilt. He murdered 11 Jews gathered to pray, honor a shared faith in God, model their commitment to things greater than themselves, and so much more.

Bowers had the goal to kill Jews. In fact, he committed the worst anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history. And while I fully support an alternative sentence for those who kill and are determined to suffer from a form of mental illness, in this case, that defense was rejected.

I support the jury's verdict and sentence. Someone who makes the decision to take another's life, and in this case 11 lives, due to senseless hatred, if convicted, is eligible to have their life ended, too. Some may disagree, but silence is not a catalyst for positive and proactive change.

Improvements are needed in mental health care, gun accessibility and violence; understanding and identifying anti-Semitism and senseless hatred; tolerance and acceptance; just to name a few. But at this moment, the decision of the court must not overshadow our responsibility to provide additional support to the victims' families. Their pain is immeasurable. They need us.

When the verdict was announced, I was immediately in touch with Rabbi Myers from Tree of Life synagogue. He greatly appreciates our outreach and offers of support to his congregation and the greater community.

This phase of the nightmare from October 27, 2018, despite the likelihood of appeals, might bring a semblance of closure to some, but it certainly does not bring back murdered loved ones, heal all wounds, or end the increased hatred within our country.

Rabbi Morris Zimbalist

Congregation Beth Judea

Long Grove