Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family have “wrapped” themselves in prayer following the arson attack at the governor’s mansion in Harrisburg, Pa., on the first night of Passover, the Jewish Democrat told reporters on Thursday.
“Those prayers have lifted our spirits,” Shapiro said, alongside his wife, Lori Shapiro, after a luncheon the two held for firefighters who responded to the blaze at their residence in Pennsylvania’s capital city.
“I know you’re going to think this sounds strange, but you can feel the warm wishes and the prayers that people are sending our way. You just feel it. I don’t know how else to describe it,” Shapiro said.
“Obviously, I’m a person of faith. I believe in God. But the prayers we’ve received from our Muslim brothers and sisters, our Christian brothers and sisters, our Jewish brothers and sisters, from everyone,” he said. “Those prayers are lifting us up, and it feels like it’s wrapped around us and protecting us during this time.”
One of the prayers is the one with which Shapiro blesses his children—the tripartite priestly blessing that God tells Aaron to address to the Israelites.
“The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee,” Shapiro said, using the early 17th century translation from the King James Version. “The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace.”
“That’s a prayer and a hope that we have for our kids every day—that they have peace in their lives,” Shapiro said. “Obviously, that peace was shattered on Sunday morning, but it is a hope and a prayer that we have, not just for our kids but every child across Pennsylvania. That they live in a society that’s free and peaceful, where they are protected and they are watched over by God.”
Shapiro and his family joined English celebrity chef Robert Irvine, serving short ribs, creole shrimp, salmon, chicken, rice and ratatouille at a Harrisburg fire station to thank the first responders for their quick reaction to the blaze.
“There are no real words other than ‘thank you,’” Shapiro said.
The governor combined his appreciation with a new plea for the state legislature to approve more funding for firefighters, including a $30 million competitive grant program. Shapiro will carry that campaign to Bethlehem on Friday.
No one was injured in the blaze, but the damage was extensive. Reggie McNeil, the secretary of the state’s general services department, said on Thursday that the living quarters and workspace in the official residence would be ready to reopen in a few days. He added that working with the state police, security would be improved.
“The residence is a historic symbol of public service in Pennsylvania, and we are fully committed to restoring it quickly and safely,” McNeil stated.
The suspect, Cody Balmer, was charged with setting a fire at the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion shortly after Shapiro and his family held the first of their two Passover seders there.
In a search warrant, state police quoted Balmer as complaining about what Shapiro “wants to do to the Palestinian people” and saying that “our people have been put through too much by that monster.”
The governor and first lady toured the home on Thursday morning to see the damage. “It was very moving for us,” he said. “Again, you just thank God that everyone got out safe.”
Shapiro said that some of the ritual items used for the Seders were destroyed, but others needed just a cleaning. He said that some of the damaged items would be preserved to make sure the public would know the story of the attack.