PITTSBURGH — Eight years after 11 people were killed in the Tree of Life synagogue shooting, Pittsburghers gathered Tuesday to remember the victims and stand with their families and survivors.
During the commemoration, the victims’ names were read aloud.
For Carol Black, the anniversary is also a reminder of her brother, Richard Gottfried, who was a dentist.
“Even though it’s been eight years since I survived that shooting and my brother was murdered, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about it,” Black said.
She remembers Gottfried for his generosity and kindness.
Black and other survivors share their stories with students, hoping the next generation can imagine a world without hate.
Lauren Mallinger said her mother-in-law, Rose Mallinger, was 97 and knew everyone on her street.
She remembers Rose filling the family’s lives with warmth.
“You feel the energy, you feel the sadness, but we’ve come so far,” Lauren Mallinger said. “We are the Phoenix who has risen from the ashes. So much good has come from this tragedy.”
A memorial garden behind the community center is one place Mallinger and others remember their loved ones.
She said Rose enjoyed eating lunch on the patio and spending time with friends there.
“She loved coming here and eating lunch and coming out here on the patio, and a lot of her friends were here,” Mallinger said. “So it is a good memory of her.”
Black said she is grateful for the good that has come from the tragedy, while still wishing her brother were here.
On Sunday, volunteers also took part in a day of service honoring the 11 victims.
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