On Saturday, October 27th, a man entered the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Squirrel Hill and killed 11 congregants. It is the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in US history. He shouted “All Jews must die!” and frequently posted anti-Semitic messages on his social media pages.
This horrific incident marks the third hate crime shooting in the past few years. Including the 2015 Charleston Church shooting that killed 9 Black congregants. And the Pulse Nightclub shooting that claimed the lives of 49 people from the Orlando LGBT community.
These horrific events have spurred many across the nation to ask, “What can we do to stop this?” A number of highly motivated and concerned citizens have organized vigils and memorials to mourn the loss of the 11 who lost their lives. The Pittsburgh Jewish Federation is holding a Solidarity Shabbat service today and tomorrow to show their support for the synagogue and those attending marches to demand effective change.
In the age of social media, when tragedy strikes, those affected create supportive hashtags to rally people behind their cause. Stoneman Douglas students and protesters created slogans like #NeverAgain and #EnoughIsEnough. After the Pulse shooting many banded together wearing LOVEISLOVE shirts and decorating their picket signs with hopeful messages.
UberButtons, maker of custom buttons has partnered with Pittsburgh Stronger Than Hate to create pins with words of strength and hope. Stronger Than Hate is an organization that offered to make shirts for the grieving community. They are working to show solidarity with the survivors of the Tree of Life shooting as well as with the families of the deceased. All proceeds go to benefit of the Tree of Life Synagogue.
The message is simple and clear – “Stronger Than Hate.” Stronger than violence, stronger than persecution.