Statement on the Conclusion of the Oct. 27, 2018 Synagogue Shooting Trial

The families, survivors, witnesses, and community that have been impacted by the Oct. 27th, 2018 mass shooting, including the congregants of Congregation Dor Hadash, New Light Congregation, and Tree of Life Congregation, have waited almost five years for the conclusion of this trial.  

The trial’s conclusion is for many a profound and complicated event. There is no one right way to feel. We urge all community members to seek support and to share empathy and kindness with one another. Thank you to all those in court, including staff and jury, who shared the beauty of humanity with us all while in the courthouse, even in the most difficult of times. 

During this time the voices of those most directly impacted should be highlighted and honored. Due to the nature of the trial, many have been unable to share their own thoughts until this point. Many were finally able to share their stories today during the victim impact statements in court.  

Yesterday, a press conference was held for the voices of families and survivors at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. This press conference was deeply moving—in the room where these same people waited to hear news of their loved ones on Oct. 27th, they came together to share their voices and their experiences.  

Above all else, we believe that resilient communities listen to those who were directly impacted and uplift their voices. We encourage everyone to listen to the experiences survivors and families shared about their loved ones, about their commitment to Judaism, about their own fears and joys and sorrows, and about how they hope to continue to live their lives. Over this last week, these families and survivors have shown exceptional courage in sharing their stories with the court and with the wider world. 

We urge you to prioritize rest and caring for yourself and your neighbors. The 10.27 Healing Partnership is open from 9am-5pm on weekdays, and our role is to foster healing communities. We stand against hate and antisemitism, and we are here to help and to listen.  

Today and every day we remember: 

Joyce Fienberg 

Richard Gottfried 

Rose Mallinger 

Jerry Rabinowitz 

Cecil and David Rosenthal 

Bernice and Sylvan Simon 

Dan Stein 

Irving Younger 

Melvin Wax 

May their memories be for a blessing.