Pittsburgh's Jewish Community: Navigating Trauma and Resilience Amidst Global Tensions

Pittsburgh's Jewish community grapples with deep trauma as it prepares to mark the one-year anniversary of the Oct 7 Hamas attack on Israel, alongside the painful memory of its own 2018 synagogue shooting. Amidst growing antisemitism, they seek solace in Jewish rituals and resilience in the face of division.

As the one-year anniversary of the Oct 7 Hamas attack on Israel approaches, Pittsburgh's Jewish community is reminded of its own trauma from the 2018 synagogue shooting — the deadliest antisemitic attack in US history. This period coincides with the Jewish High Holy Days, offering rituals that provide both solace and reflection on mortality.

Local Jewish leaders draw parallels between the two incidents, viewing them as threats to Jewish safety worldwide. Recent instances of antisemitism, both from far-right extremists and some on the left, have left many Jews feeling increasingly insecure, according to a survey by the American Jewish Committee.

Rabbi Seth Adelson emphasizes the absence of communal solidarity seen in 2018, while others, like Audrey Glickman, stress the importance of continued dialogue to combat hatred. As tensions flare globally and locally, Pittsburgh's Jews focus on internal unity and hope for peace, despite differing views on Israel's policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)