Tried and True, I Stand with the 412
About a month ago, I returned to Pittsburgh with my boyfriend for a weekend trip. We reminisced about meeting in college, spent time with friends, and for the first time, visited several tourist attractions. We were excited to return to our roots. So excited, in fact, that we collaborated on a detailed itinerary to plan our trip. Our very last stop before embarking on the long drive across the state, was our favorite Thai restaurant, Silk Elephant, in Squirrel Hill.
If you’ve been paying attention to the news, the name of that neighborhood probably sounds familiar. This Saturday, a mass shooting occurred at Tree of Life, a synagogue in that very neighborhood. As you have probably heard, the horrific event was fueled by anti-semitism. The attack left eleven congregation members dead, and several others injured. You can learn more about the victims here.
What I wanted to share today, for those who may be unfamiliar with Pittsburgh, is the unique identity and community pride that embody Squirrel Hill. This neighborhood should not solely be remembered for tragedy, but also celebrated for its ability to unite across cultural, religious, and socioeconomic boundaries. As has been highlighted by many news outlets, Squirrel Hill has a large Jewish community. The sphere of its influence transcends the walls of the synagogues, and permeates local businesses and organizations. It isn’t uncommon to walk down Forbes or Murray Avenue and come across a kosher pizza shop, the Jewish Community Center, or a bookstore filled with sacred texts. Many passerbyers will say hello, and the drivers of the Port Authority buses on the 64 and 61 routes are the same faces every day.
My first job outside of college, and the start of my fundraising career, began at a small, Jewish nonprofit in the heart of Squirrel Hill. The organization prides itself on its place in the community. While I worked there, they made the transition into their current facility, a refurbished theater that now hosts inclusive programming that unites neurotypical volunteers with youth and adults with cognitive challenges in friendship. Neighbors, volunteers, and families often stop by for community Shabbat dinners, to drop in donations, and to simply say hello. When I first heard of the shooting, I feared that I would know someone on the list of victims when it was released. Though I hadn’t met any of those killed personally, my social media feeds have been filled with messages about friends whose lives had been touched by the deceased. It seems like they all have led impressive lives filled with generosity and a commitment to performing mitzvahs. I truly do not have words to express how unfair it is that this senseless tragedy is the reason their stories are being told. They deserve better than the present circumstances, but we will keep telling their stories to make sure that they are never forgotten.
During the 2016 election (and subsequently, in protest of Donald Trump), “Pittsburgh’s a city of bridges, not a city of walls” has become a prominent rallying cry. Even before the Tree of Life massacre, the Squirrel Hill community has demonstrated strength in unity. In September, after the death of Mac Miller (a Squirrel Hill native), fans paid tribute to his legacy at Blue Slide Park, a portion of Frick Park that has been popularized by one of his hit songs.
Though the tragic frequency of mass shootings in the United States have led many schools and workplaces to implement regularly-practiced emergency drills, I don’t think that anyone ever anticipates that such a tragedy will ever happen to a friend or neighbor, or in a place that they know and love. It has been inspiring to see the unifying efforts of Pittsburgh to rally behind the community in support. This incredible resilience is what I miss most about the city, and tempts me to one day move back. But the truth is, Pittsburgh has a hard time letting go. The city never leaves you, and all that have experienced the joy of living there will always be Pittsburghers at heart.
Looking to make a difference in the aftermath of the Tree of Life Shooting? Here are some ways you can:
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