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One Year Later, Pittsburgh is Still Stronger Than Hate
We lived through our city’s darkest day. But that same day showed the light within so many of us.
It’s a somber day of remembrance here in Pittsburgh. One year ago, on October 27, 2018, a gunman entered the Tree of Life/Or L’Simcha synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood and opened fire, killing 11 members of the three congregations who were preparing for worship in the building. Several others were wounded and, a year later, are still recovering from their injuries.
As a community, we experienced the horrific shock, sadness and outrage known tragically by so many towns and cities who have been struck by similarly senseless violent acts. The emotional aftermath of the attack remains an indelible part of this city. It has been with us each of these 365 days. It will be with us forever. It’s a hurt and heartbreak that no one ever wants to experience but that too many of us have had to endure.
And yet, through what has been described as Pittsburgh’s darkest day — the day that marked the deadliest attack to date in America against the Jewish community — we saw the strength and resilience of our city and its people. We saw every single faith community respond with generosity and goodwill. We saw strangers embracing each other at…
