Pgh. Synagogue Massacre's 5th Anniversary: Biden, Others Reflect

PITTSBURGH, PA — President Joe Biden was among those marking the fifth anniversary of the Tree of Life shooting massacre on Friday. The worst antisemitic attack in the nation's history in a normally quiet Squirrel Hill neighborhood left 11 people dead.

"Today, as we grieve, mourn, and remember the precious lives lost, we recall the Jewish proverb which says, even a glimmer of light can dispel much darkness.'," Biden said in a White House statement. "We saw that light in five years ago when the Pittsburgh community opened its hearts to friends and neighbors in need.

"We must never lose hope or give up on a better tomorrow. We must recommit to speaking out against antisemitism, bigotry, and hate in all its forms. And we must come together as fellow Americans to heal the broken hearts and heal the soul of our nation."

The attack occurred when Robert Bowers, formerly of Baldwin, entered the synagogue and began shooting those who had gathered to worship. Bowers was sentenced to death for the mass murder and currently is being housed in a federal prison in Indiana.

"Five years ago, Pittsburgh and our nation were shaken to the core when a white supremacist murdered 11 worshipers at the Tree of Life synagogue," Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey said in social media post. "I continue to pray for their loved ones and remain committed to rooting out antisemitism in America in their memory."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said of the victims: "We will never forget them.We must do more to stop gun violence. We must confront antisemitism, bigotry, and hate in all its forms."

A ceremony in Schenley Park in Friday included a candle ighting by family members of those killed, remarks honoring first responders who risked their lives to save others; prayers by Jewish community leaders, musical performances, appearances by elected officials and more.

“We will continue to honor and mourn the 11 beloved community members whose lives were taken and strive to use their memories as means to bring our community closer in the name of love, togetherness and hope for a future where such hateful attacks never happen again,” said Maggie Feinstein, director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership. The organization was established after the attack to provide support to those impacted by the synagogue shooting.