Mayor Debbie Bertlin and Deputy Mayor Salim Nice released a statement on behalf of the Mercer Island City Council on Oct. 29, after 11 people were killed in a mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.

“We are deeply saddened and horrified by the shooting in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, an act of hate, intolerance and violence against the Jewish community. We proclaimed in November of 2016, and again in September 2017, that Mercer Island is place where ‘We celebrate our rich religious and cultural diversity’ and ‘are welcoming of all people and all ideas in recognition that we are truly stronger and smarter together.’

“We call for all Islanders to again celebrate and advocate for a community which does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. We ask for continued efforts to listen to all people and respect their ideas.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, the victims’ families, and all who are impacted by the tragedy of Pittsburgh’s shooting. As a city we also reiterate our commitment to supporting the security needs of our Jewish community in the coming days, weeks and months, and ensuring Mercer Island is a welcoming place for all to live, work, worship and heal.”

See www.mercergov.org for more on the city council.