‘Nothing can turn back time on Pittsburgh synagogue massacre’
Moment of silence to be held on first anniversary of shooting
Thousands of people around the world will be stopping in place and taking a collective moment of remembrance as part of the Pause with Pittsburgh initiative, in honor of those who were killed in the vicious synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh one year ago.
The attack on the Tree of Life Congregation on October 27, 2018, was the most deadly antisemitic attack in the history of the United States – 11 people were killed and seven were injured during the mass shooting, which occurred during the synagogue’s Shabbat services.
“Nothing can turn back time and erase what happened a year ago in Pittsburgh – but we as a society can choose to stand together, stronger, more determined and thus demonstrate our tremendous resilience,” said Eric Fingerhut, chairman of the Jewish Federations of North
America (JFNA).
The moment of silence will be at 5 p.m. EDT in the US.
“We must focus on what we are best at: doing good, and building and preserving our strong and stable community that brings together different people,” said Mark Wilf, chairman of the JFNA’s Board of Directors.
Former US special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism Ira Forman said that “the future for Jews and all Americans does not have to be one of accepting increasing levels of violence generated by hate and xenophobia,” in a statement released this weekend.
“We can dedicate ourselves to protecting all of our citizens and strengthening our democratic and pluralistic institutions,” he said. “From leading marches and public demonstrations, to conducting outreach and education, to engaging in the hard work of combating hatred, all of us have a role to play in this important, necessary work. It is vital that we each do our part.”