Jewish leaders say Trump is not welcome to visit site of massacre

Jewish leaders in Pittsburgh have told President Donald Trump he is not welcome in the city until he has fully denounced white nationalism.

The President told reporters on Saturday that he wants to visit the Tree of Life Synagogue where 11 members of the congregation were shot and killed, the Daily Mail reported.

But a group of community leaders circulated an online petition on Sunday demanding that Trump "fully denounce white nationalism" before making his visit.

This photo shows some of Stars of David with names of those killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Photo / AP

In a letter addressed to the President, the 12 Jewish leaders from the progressive group Bend the Arc accuse Trump of contributing to Saturday's tragedy.

"For the past three years your words and your policies have emboldened a growing white nationalist movement," the letter read.

"You yourself called the murderer evil, but yesterday's violence is the direct culmination of your influence."

Trump is accused by the group of 'deliberately undermin[ing] the safety of people of color, Muslims, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities.

"Yesterday's massacre is not the first act of terror you incited against a minority group in our country," the letter read.

"President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you stop targeting and endangering all minorities."

Bend the Arc also demanded that Trump "cease [his] assault on immigrants and refugees."

The group noted that the gunman, Robert Bowers, was angry at the Jewish community because of the work of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, a Jewish nonprofit that helps resettle migrants and refugees.

Trump came into office vowing to crack down on illegal immigration.

People join hands during a service at Temple Beth Sholom synagogue. Photo / AP

His administration has implemented controversial policies, including separating children from their parents after they crossed the southern border.

"The Torah teaches that every human being is made b'tzelem Elohim, in the image of God," the letter reads.

"This means all of us.

"President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you commit yourself to compassionate, democratic policies that recognize the dignity of all of us."

Trump and the Republican Party have been accused of spreading anti-Semitic conspiracy theories which blame Hungarian-born financier George Soros for the migrant caravan currently making its way through Mexico.

Earlier this week, a supporter of Trump allegedly mailed at least a dozen pipe bombs to prominent current and former Democrats, including ex-President Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and former Attorney General Eric Holder.

In Kentucky, a white man allegedly killed two black people in Jeffersontown, Kentucky.

The uptick in hate-motivated crimes and killings has fueled concern that America's contentious politics is contributing to the bloodshed.