B’nai B’rith International strongly endorses President Obama’s message of unity delivered Jan. 12 at a program honoring those killed and wounded, and commending those who helped save lives, during the Jan. 8 shooting rampage in Tucson, Ariz. that left six dead and 13 wounded, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head while greeting constituents.

We welcome the message that people should work toward common goals and values, “in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.”

Of course in our democracy, it is important that different opinions can be expressed freely and without fear. But that can be done in an atmosphere free of hostility and, as the president said, pettiness and finger pointing.

We hope the president’s message was heard, and taken to heart, by all Americans.