Ceremony takes place to remember the 11 people killed in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Today marks six years since the 11 worshippers were killed in a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. It was the deadliest attack on the Jewish faith in American history.
This afternoon, a commemoration ceremony was held at the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill that included a candle-lighting by the family members of those killed.
The names of the 11 congregants who died were read aloud and a candle was also lit for each name.
Outside the ceremony was also a striking display of flowers that were part of an impromptu memorial outside of the synagogue following the shooting. They were on public display for the first time.
During the event, survivors read passages, rabbis shared prayers, and one of the prosecutors who worked on the case sang Hallelujah.
Rabbi Doris Dyen, who survived the shooting, said she remembers seeing the flowers in the days after the shooting, and that they represent people coming together.
"The idea of supporting this city and the Jewish community of this city at that time really means a lot."
"We've seen another monumental shift for our Jewish brothers and sisters in the United States. We face new traumas inflicted by antisemitism in Israel, the wounds of the October 7 attack are still rock, and many of us are overwhelmed by our fear and deep compassion as these events unfold. We continue to recognize the victims and survivors as they continue or start their own healing journeys," said Maggie Feinstein, director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership.
Vice President Kamala Harris issued a statement on the commemoration, saying, "We honor the courage of the first responders, some of whom were injured during this attack, and commemorate the resilience of the Pittsburgh community. Doug and I stand in solidarity with the survivors of this attack, the families who lost loved ones, and the entire Jewish community."
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey also issued a statement, saying, "On this day, we stand with the Jewish community and all Pittsburghers to remember the victims of Oct. 27, and we join our voices to condemn antisemitism, which we will never tolerate in the city of Pittsburgh.
"For me, it's painful because I recall the day, and it is as though the recording of it is seared in my brain," said Rabbi Jeffrey Myers. "It starts to play. And for me, it doesn't stop."
The date is not something he looks forward to, but said is completely necessary.
Amy Mallinger can't forget where she was that day either. It was the day she lost her grandmother, Rose.
"It's still hard," Mallinger said. "And with the trial last year, I think we're still healing."
"As victims, it's not upon us to resolve that," Myers said of antisemitism. "It's upon America to determine what type of country we want to be?"
Before today's ceremony, about a dozen people gathered at the Jewish Community Center to create crafts to commemorate the victims from that day. Volunteers were creating small "felted hearts" that could kept in remembrance of those lost or donated to others.
Organizers say they want to continue carrying on the legacy of kindness.
"We really believe at the healing partnership that healing comes from being together, um we can heal individually but healing is so much more powerful when we're connected to other people and art is a really beautiful way of doing that," said Emery Malachowski of the 10.27 Healing Partnership.
Volunteers also spent time cleaning graves at Jewish cemeteries around town.
Most of the synagogue was demolished earlier this year and then ground was broken in June for a new building at the synagogue. That will include a memorial and a museum to help combat antisemitism.
Earlier this month, a memorial plaque was stolen from Allderdice High School that honored the 11 victims killed in the shooting.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh said it contextualizes what has been happening in America and a rise in antisemitism.
A district spokesperson said a replacement plaque had been ordered.
The expectation was that the plaque would be installed in time for the memorial service.
