A Message from Mayor Shapiro

Five days ago, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and decided to disregard the basic principles of humanity in favor of evil and unspeakable acts of violence. More than a thousand innocent people have been killed and slaughtered since that time. Regretfully, this war is likely to continue for some time. Many of us are grieving, angered and sad. We are wondering whether our friends, relatives and family in the Middle East will come back home or whether they will answer our calls, emails or texts. We are also thinking of our recent graduate from Deerfield High School who, along with her mother, are reportedly being held as hostages by Hamas. 

Our Police Department is in regular contact with our local synagogues and other sensitive locations in the Village. The Department is also working with its partner law enforcement agencies to closely monitor the current situation. At this time, there are no specific threats to the Village. Should the situation change, the Department is prepared to immediately contact all affected partners. In this time when we are anxious and stressed, we do not condemn an entire people or religion, such as Palestinians or Muslims. Rather, we condemn those who espouse hatred and terror. We stand against evil, terrorism and inhumanity. 

Our community is founded on principles of goodness and kindness. Those principles may have been shaken, but they will not be destroyed. We will continue to display civility and composure to one another during this difficult time in our Village. We will face evil head-on and help those in need. That is what Deerfield does, that is who Deerfield is. For those who need help or for those who you think may need coping services please, click here for more information.

Read Mayor Shapiro’s October 10 statement here.