In the aftermath of the deadliest attack on Jews in American history, parents are grappling to talk about the Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting with their kids. How does one explain to a child that 11 Jews were killed in a synagogue because of their faith? And if it is discussed, are they too young to process the horrific tragedy?
A touching note written by an elementary schooler may help answer some of these pressing questions. A few days after the attack at the Tree of Life synagogue, a Jewish fourth grader sent a touching letter to the congregation.
“I am very mad and very sad,” the anonymous Cleveland student wrote. “And if anyone is reading this, I just want to say I will honor and pray for those who got injured or died or helped.”
“America was created for religious freedom,” the child continued. “And when something like this happens, we need to make the good voice louder than the bad voice.”
Simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking, these sweet words offer a bright light of hope that the Jewish diaspora needs right now.
Header Image from Pittsburgh by Marissa Roer
