A Gunman Killed 11 People and Wounded 6 in a Pittsburgh Synagogue

asscherisme · Oct 30, 2018

Matthews1127 said:
Our area is a small town, in spite of being a City. It’s very common to know just about everyone in your community, and to encounter others who know members of your circle.
Mr. Rodgers and my grandmother were friends. They grew up right across the street from each other. He was a family friend. That’s how it is, in Pittsburgh & surrounding areas of the City. We take care of each other, have each others’ backs, and come together in time’s of great joy & great sadness.
I have friends from HS who are burying friends. The names of those gunned down were released, and their fears became reality. I have been following posts on social media, and trying to comfort those in mourning, from afar.
My heart is heavy. My soul is sickened. I refuse to live in fear, and I intend to be a soldier for peace.
I appreciate all of the love & support everyone is showering upon our beautiful town. Words cannot express how much it means for the rest of the world to embrace us. Thank you so much.

I am sorry for your loss and for what happened in your community. I am sickened as well. I was waiting for my son to come out of taking his SAT Saturday morning when I read the news on my phone and felt so sickened having to tell my child yet again of another mass shooting. But this time, the target hated us. I agree with you, I won't live in fear either. I can't let myself think too hard; the rising antisemitism, the rising prejudice against what seems to be all minorities in our country saddens and horrifies. I have raised my kids to be proud of our Jewish heritage and I refuse to teach them to be scared now.

Matthews1127 · Oct 30, 2018

asscherisme said:
I am sorry for your loss and for what happened in your community. I am sickened as well. I was waiting for my son to come out of taking his SAT Saturday morning when I read the news on my phone and felt so sickened having to tell my child yet again of another mass shooting. But this time, the target hated us. I agree with you, I won't live in fear either. I can't let myself think too hard; the rising antisemitism, the rising prejudice against what seems to be all minorities in our country saddens and horrifies. I have raised my kids to be proud of our Jewish heritage and I refuse to teach them to be scared now.

As a Caucasian/Native American woman, I respect you, and your culture. I respect people of all cultures, and it sickens me that this is our current climate. It’s truly devastating, but I stand with you in solidarity. Hate will never win, and love will conquer fear.

Matthews1127 · Oct 30, 2018

missy said:
I have attempted to start posting here a few times but it is hard. As you say words all seem superficial. I think of the late great Elie Weisel and words and speeches he had shared on the topic of hate. On anti-semitism which is alive and well all over the world. With a strong fervor that is scary.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nati...ory.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.09842e06c331

@Matthews1127 and @Mamabean and anyone else who is directly affected by this latest tragedy I am thinking about you and sending hugs and love your way.

I don't know if there is a solution to this complex issue of hate and murderous rage but I do know we can never stop trying to find a solution and make this world a safe and peaceful place filled with tolerance, love and acceptance for everyone.

I believe you found just the right words, afterall, @missy. Beautiful & true.
Thank you for your support, and I agree that we must never stop trying to make our world a beautiful, peaceful place. I think that is what has rocked Sq. Hill; it has always been a beautiful, peaceful place. One toxic individual tried to destroy that. We shall overcome.

jaaron · Oct 30, 2018

Matthews1127 - I'm so sorry that in addition to having been touched as a larger part of society, you've been touched personally by this tragic overflow of hatred. I just wanted to tell you (although on other threads this might have me standing accused of virtue signalling), that although I'm American, I'm across the ocean at the moment, and when I saw the footage of the protestors in Pittsburgh, matching together, peacefully, singing, I burst into tears. You guys are truly coming together to show the very best of America in the middle of the very worst. Please stay strong.

Matthews1127 · Oct 30, 2018

jaaron said:
Matthews1127 - I'm so sorry that in addition to having been touched as a larger part of society, you've been touched personally by this tragic overflow of hatred. I just wanted to tell you (although on other threads this might have me standing accused of virtue signalling), that although I'm American, I'm across the ocean at the moment, and when I saw the footage of the protestors in Pittsburgh, matching together, peacefully, singing, I burst into tears. You guys are truly coming together to show the very best of America in the middle of the very worst. Please stay strong.

My fellow American, I could hug you, right now. This was an attack on humanity, and on the World, not just Pittsburgh. This is just another incident, among so many others, to plague our society, and spread fear, toxicity & hate. I don’t know where you are, but I’m so happy that you were moved to tears by what our town has demonstrated as “love thy neighbor”, and “we shall overcome”. The support and love from surrounding areas, and from around the world only feeds the energy of love, and makes us stronger.
Hate cannot break an Iron City.
Here, if you come for one of us, you come for all of us; we are that tight.

Safe travels!!
#StrongerThanHate

Matthews1127 · Oct 30, 2018

Rashidi Barnett is a former classmate of mine from Taylor Allderdice High School, which is down the street from Tree of Life.
TAHS is LITERALLY the melting pot of Pittsburgh.
Rashidi’s mother was our Assistant Vice Principal, back then. I admired her, greatly.

His experience hit home...