Together in solidarity

On Tuesday, Pittsburgh continued to mourn the loss of 11 neighbors. Among the thousands, my daughter and I walked and sang Hebrew songs of salvation and strength. We raised our signs in solidarity with our neighbors of all colors and religions, rejecting hatred and demanding that our president renounce white nationalism and stop his bigotry towards Muslims, refugees, LGBTQ and those seeking a better life in our country.

As the president’s motorcade passed, the entire crowd turned its back. The blocks-long procession knelt and sang. We then stood together to perform “kriah,” a ritual of mourning, and together tore black paper as an expression of grief and anger at the loss of our loved ones. We continued, passing the Squirrel Hill police station, greeting the officers with applause, cheers, handshakes and hugs, thanking them and wishing for a speedy recovery for the injured officers.

We arrived at the steps of the church attended by Fred Rogers, where two high school students, one Jewish and one Muslim, shared their memories of Saturday. Then a Pakistani immigrant told his story of living in Squirrel Hill, next a Hispanic woman shared her anger at the demonization of migrants, followed by a black woman who inspired us to strengthen our resolve, heal our hearts and demand civility from our leaders.

At the close of the event, the organizer from Bend the Arc encouraged us to end the divide, speak out against hatred and teach our children how to build a better future. The event was powerfully moving and gives me hope that we can end the hatred that has surfaced again in our country.

DAVID KWIATKOSKI

Crafton