Flowers were laid in front of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, where, six years ago Sunday, 11 worshippers were killed. And the community came together to remember those victims and continue their healing together. "It's not a day that you look forward to, but it's a day that is necessary because we must remember," said Rabbi Jeffery Myers.
"Focusing on what's important, and that is community, resilience, being together and again remembering those that were taken," said Jason Kunzman, CEO and president of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. The ceremony at the Jewish Community Center opened with a candle-lighting by the families who lost a loved one in the shooting. "We've been through this for six years now, and it's nice to see that everyone kind of is still thinking about it and it's still on everybody's minds," said Amy Mallinger, granddaughter of Rose Mallinger.
The ceremony continued with readings, songs and prayers. This year, the ceremony incorporated new elements, like one of the attorneys of the U.S.
attorney's office who aided with the trial sang a song. In addition, two University of Pittsburgh students who were assaulted last month on campus spoke to the crowd about their experience with antisemitism. "What happened to us pales in comparison to the horrors of that day.
We stand before you this evening to tell our story, to give a message of hope and healing and continue walking in this path," said Asher Goodwin.
