Jewish leaders, victims share stories, grief a year after tragedy
Nine days before the Jewish new year Rosh Hashana and 37 days before the commemoration of a massacre that left 11 dead at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill, local and national media gathered at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh on Friday to hear from Jewish leaders and those directly affected by the massacre.
It was an emotionally charged event as synagogue leaders and members from Tree of Life, New Light and Dor Hadash congregations shared stories and offered insight into how they have been moving forward since last year’s attack, which also left seven wounded.
The forum was to provide a convenient and safe space for media to have access to those affected by the Oct. 27 mass murder — although traumatic effects still linger in a community pushing to heal.
Four separate panels on Friday featured healing and community response team leaders, as well as congregation and faith leaders who shared some intimate thoughts. Tree of Life’s Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and congregation leaders Barb Feige and Sam Schachner spoke on the necessity of “moving forward.” Rabbi Doris Dyen and Judy Yanowitz of Dor Hadash were also present.
Congregation leaders Stephen Cohen and Barbara Caplan of New Light as well as Donna Coufal and Ellen Surloff of Dor Hadash spoke on panels, too.
Rabbi Jonathan Perlman of New Light struggled to speak as he discussed having “survivor’s guilt.” He said he had positioned Mel Wax, a man who was deaf and was killed Oct. 27, in a closet to protect him. Mr. Wax was confused about the nature of what was happening and left the closet, however.
“I will never forget, and I ask his forgiveness and wish that he could be here to celebrate the new year with me,” Rabbi Perlman said.
Despite the dark recollections, some of the victims’
family members spoke on the power of simply being kind to one another.
“If everybody in this world would do something every day,” said Michele Rosenthal, who lost her brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal in the mass shooting. “It can be as simple as helping somebody across the street or holding a door or paying a compliment to somebody. This world would be so much better.”
Ms. Rosenthal was joined on a panel by Andrea Wedner, who lost her mother, Rose Mallinger, in last year’s attack.
Sponsor Jewish Family and Community Services focused on a theme of “Remember, Repair, Together.” The social services group is planning various activities and offering community counseling on Oct. 27. Visit pittsburghoct27.org for more details.
Prior to Oct. 27, the 10.27 Healing Partnership is opening its doors for the first time on Oct. 2 at the Jewish Community Center on Forbes Avenue. The organization seeks to provide a therapeutic community to those seeking emotional support through various programs and activities.