A year ago today a man inflamed by Trump's rhetoric shot up the #TreeofLife synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11, wounding 6.
I spent the next days interviewing people for the story & as with the Dylann Roof mass shooting, which I also wrote about, I had the most profound sadness.
I spent the next days interviewing people for the story & as with the Dylann Roof mass shooting, which I also wrote about, I had the most profound sadness.
These people, these congregations, had made a welcoming space for anyone who wanted it. And a killer driven by hate came into that sacred, welcoming space and killed and wounded innocent, caring, generous people. It is deeply heartbreaking to revisit these awful crimes.
In both instances elderly congregants were targeted. Who shoots old women and men as they worship? What drives someone to cut to the heart of people's faith in a synagogue and a black church? Haters want to create a climate of fear and distrust. To take away our sense of safety.
I have feared for my family every Shabbat or holiday as they have gone to shul. One of their synagogues was defaced & I was so worried violence would be next. After Charleston, I would sit in the back of my church so I could see everything. Not sure what I thought that would do.
I just wanted to remember the people who died at #TreeofLife synagogue today on their yahrzeit.
I just wanted to say we owe it to each other to fight the invidious and insidious nature of hate.
May the memories of all who have died be as a blessing to those who loved them. 🌿🕊
I just wanted to say we owe it to each other to fight the invidious and insidious nature of hate.
May the memories of all who have died be as a blessing to those who loved them. 🌿🕊
