'I don't want to be hated': After Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, Jewish girls bring song to Squirrel Hill
After the deadly shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue Saturday, the community around Squirrel Hill honors the victims and tries to move forward.
'I don't want to be hated': After Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, Jewish girls bring song to Squirrel Hill After the deadly shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue Saturday, the community around Squirrel Hill honors the victims and tries to move forward. Check out this story on cincinnati.com: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2018/10/30/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-community-mourns-squirrel-hill/1816746002/
Max Londberg, Cincinnati Enquirer Published 7:30 a.m. ET Oct. 30, 2018 | Updated 7:42 a.m. ET Oct. 30, 2018
Girls from the Yeshiva school in Pittsburgh sing outside the synagogue where 11 people where killed. Cincinnati Enquirer
Talia Rosenthal, 14, left, Ayala Rosenthal, 15, middle, listen to Etsy Peles, 17, and all students at Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh, saw the names written on white stars outside the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue, before dozens of bouquets. "It's moving right in front of us, and the names of all the people, and you just felt it in the air, it was tangible," she said a few hours later from a meeting room at her school. "And I feel like by going back to the place and praying there and singing there, we just showed everyone that you know we can and will remain strong."(Photo: Cara Owsley/The Enquirer)Buy Photo
Enquirer journalists are in Pittsburgh assisting the USA Today Network with coverage of the deadly Tree of Life Synagogue shooting. Work from Cara Owsley, director of photography for Ohio, breaking news reporter Max Londberg and video producer Phil Didion is featured in this report.
It began unexpectedly to some, ringing out on a block in Squirrel Hill where a different, darker sound had two days earlier engrossed the neighborhood and then the nation.
Jewish girls from a nearby Chabad orthodox school had walked to the Tree of Life Synagogue, prayer books in their hands and blue ribbons tied to their hair and wrists, to sing.
They harmonized in Hebrew about how Jews have prevailed despite persecution through generations. They wrapped each other in their arms. They swayed. Their music, from the Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of Faith, told of a time free of war and full of peace.
Esty Peles, 17, a senior at a girls-only high school within the Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh, saw 11 names written in black across 11 white stars outside the synagogue, before dozens of bouquets. Each star symbolized a person ripped away in an apparent outburst of anti-Semitism.
More: Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: What we know, questions that remain
Related: 'Your bubble is broken': Tree of Life shooting shatters Squirrel Hill neighborhood
Multiple deaths at Pittsburgh synagogue shooting
Chatham University students hug during a visit Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, to a makeshift memorial outside the Tree of Life Synagogue to the 11 people killed Oct 27, 2018 while worshipping in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. GENE J. PUSKAR/AP
This pumpkin reflects community sentiment, Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at a makeshift memorial outside the Tree of Life Synagogue. GENE J. PUSKAR/AP
A makeshift memorial continues to grow, Thursday, outside the Tree of Life Synagogue to the 11 people killed Oct 27, 2018 while worshipping. GENE J. PUSKAR/AP
Stones are placed Thursday, on the stars of David bearing the names of the shooting victims at Tree of Life Synagogue. GENE J. PUSKAR/AP
Anat Halevy Hochberg, of Brooklyn, NY., visits the memorial outside the Tree of Life synagogue where 11 people were killed. GENE J. PUSKAR/AP
Mourners visit the memorial outside the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 31, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Eleven people were killed in a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood on Oct. 27. Jeff Swensen, Getty Images
Students from the Yeshiva School in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh stand outside Beth Shalom Synagogue after attending the funeral service for Joyce Fienberg, Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. Joyce Fienberg, 75, was one of 11 people killed when a gunman opened fire during worship services at the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday, Oct. 27. Gene J. Puskar, AP
This is a painted rock in memory of Rose Mallinger, 97, found Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, part of a makeshift memorial outside the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, to the 11 people killed during worship services Saturday Oct. 27, 2018. Gene J. Puskar, AP
The casket of Irving Younger is led to a hearse outside Rodef Shalom Temple following his funeral on Oct. 31, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Irving Younger was one of 11 people killed in the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27. Jeff Swensen, Getty Images
A processional leaves the Jewish Community Center after the funeral of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018. Rabinowitz and 10 other people were shot and killed Oct. 27, 2018 during a service at Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Robert Bowers allegedly screamed anti-Semitic epithets, as he opened fire on the congregants, law enforcement officials said. Eleven worshippers were killed and six other people were wounded. Cara Owsley, Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK
One of the caskets for brothers David and Cecil Rosenthal is carried out of the synagogue at the conclusion of funeral services at the Rodef Shalom Congregation in Pittsburgh on Oct. 30, 2018. Mykal McEldowney, Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY Network
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, center striped suit and tie, exits the memorial ceremony for brothers David and Cecil Rosenthal, held at Rodef Shalom Synagogue. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar via USA TODAY Network
Mourners stand outside as the caskets of brothers David and Cecil Rosenthal are carried out together. Mykal McEldowney, Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY Network
One of the caskets for brothers David and Cecil Rosenthal is carried out of the synagogue at the conclusion of funeral services. Mykal McEldowney, Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY Network
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his wife Ashley Harlan attend the memorial service for brothers David and Cecil Rosenthal, held at Rodef Shalom Synagogue, Tuesday, in Pittsburgh, Pa. MYKAL MCELDOWNEY/USA TODAY NETWORK
Pittsburgh Steelers football coach Mike Tomlin, center, and Cameron Heyward, behind, arrive at the funeral for brothers David and Cecil Rosenthal at the Rodef Shalom Congregation. MYKAL MCELDOWNEY/USA TODAY NETWORK
Florida native and chaplain Bob Ossler, right, hugs Julianne Statnick as she visits a tribute to shooting victims along Shady Avenue in Pittsburgh on Oct. 30, 2018. "I grew up here," Statnick said. "I was in Ireland when this happened so now I'm just here spreading love." Alton Strupp, Courier Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK
Family members of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, embrace before his funeral at the Jewish Community Center in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018. Cara Owsley, Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK
A long line forms for the funeral of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, at the Jewish Community Center in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Cara Owsley, Cincinnati Enquirer via USA TODAY NETWORK
One of the caskets for brothers David and Cecil Rosenthal arrives at Rodef Shalom Synagogue, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Mykal McEldowney, Indianapolis Star, via USA TODAY Network
Attendants hold candles during the "Westmoreland Vigil for the Victims" event Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Greensburg, Pa. Alton Strupp, Courier-Journal, via USA TODAY Network
Phoebe Walczak, left, and Mark Nealon attend the "Westmoreland Vigil for the Victims" event Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, in Greensburg, Pa. Alton Strupp, Courier-Journal, via USA TODAY Network
Eleven candles, one marking each life of the people killed at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, were lit during a vigil at Chabad of Vermont in Burlington, Vt., Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Ryan Mercer, Burlington Free Press, via USA TODAY Network
Students from Yeshiva Girls High School pray, on Oct. 29, 2018, outside of the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa. Robert Bowers allegedly screamed anti-Semitic epithets, as he opened fire on the congregants of Tree of Life during a service, law enforcement officials said. Eleven worshippers were killed and six other people were wounded Saturday. CARA OWSLEY/THE ENQUIRER
Names of the victims in the mass shooting at Tree of Life Congregation Synagogueare posted at a memorial outside of the synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pa., Monday. CARA OWSLEY/THE ENQUIRER
Mourners visit the Tree of Life Synagogue on Oct. 29, 2018, in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh after 11 were killed and six others were wounded Saturday. Cara Owsley, The Cincinnati Enquirer
A memorial grows on the sidewalk on Wilkins Avenue near the Tree of Life Synagogue of Pittsburgh, Monday. CARA OWSLEY/THE ENQUIRER
Magda Brown reflects on the time she spent in a concentration camp as a 17-year-old. Brown spoke to reporters on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. A gunman entered the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue opened fire, killing 11 and wounding six on Saturday morning, according to officials. MARKELL DELOATCH/PUBLIC OPINION
Cindy Goodman, previous chair of the Community Relations Council for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, is hugged by a local community leader during a press conference at Freedom Unlimited, Inc., on Oct. 29, 2018. The gathering, held by community groups and religious leaders, honored the 11 victims who lost their lives inside the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday. MYKAL MCELDOWNEY/INDYSTAR
Rev. James H. Harris, right, of St. James AME in Pittsburgh, says a prayer in honor of the 11 victims who lost their lives inside the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday. Local religious and community leaders were asked to lay a hand on members of the Community Relations Council for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh as a prayer was said during a press conference at Freedom Unlimited, Inc., Monday. MYKAL MCELDOWNEY/INDYSTAR
Richard A. Stewart Jr., president of NAACP Pittsburg branch, addresses community concern after the recent shooting inside Tree of Life Synagogue Community during a press conference at Freedom Unlimited, Inc., on Monday. MYKAL MCELDOWNEY/INDYSTAR
Lauren Bairnsfather, director of Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, talks about the outpouring of sympathy and support she has recieved since Saturday's shooting in Pittsburgh, Pa. MARKELL DELOATCH/PUBLIC OPINION
Messages are left on the sidewalk on Wilkins Avenue near the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pa. CARA OWSLEY/THE ENQUIRER
Students from the Yeshiva Girls High School sing outside of the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue of Pittsburgh on Oct. 29, 2018. CARA OWSLEY/The Enquirer via USA TODAY Network
Etsy Peles, 17, and a senior at a girls-only high school within the Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh, saw the black names written on white stars outside the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue, before dozens of bouquets. "It's moving right in front of us, and the names of all the people, and you just felt it in the air, it was tangible," she said a few hours later from a meeting room at her school. "And I feel like by going back to the place and praying there and singing there, we just showed everyone that you know we can and will remain strong." CARA OWSLEY/THE ENQUIRER
Students of Yeshiva Girls High School walk along Forbes Avenue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pa., near Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue. CARA OWSLEY/THE ENQUIRER
A man visits a memorial outside of the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Oct. 29, 2018. Cara Owsley, Cincinnati Enquirer, via USA TODAY Network
U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady made a very brief statement summarizing initial proceedings for Robert Bowers will take place today, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at Joseph F. Weis Jr. Federal Courthouse downtown Pittsburgh. Cara Owsley, The Enquirer, via USA TODAY Network
"Love this beautiful neighborhood" is written on the sidewalk near the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Cara Owsley, Cincinnati Enquirer, via USA TODAY Network
Robert Bowers lived at 5323 McAnulty Road, McAnulty Acres, in Baldwin Borough, a suburb outside Pittsburgh, Oct. 29, 2018. Neil Strebig, USA TODAY Network
Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life/Or L'Simcha Congregation stands across the street from the synagogue in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Shooting suspect Robert Gregory Bowers is expected to appear in federal court Monday. Authorities say he expressed hatred toward Jews during the rampage Saturday morning and in later comments to police. Matt Rourke, AP
Messages on a barricade are left near the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Monday, October 29, 2018. Cara Owsley, Cincinnati Enquirer, via USA TODAY Network
A woman touches a tree as she pauses near a memorial in front at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Matt Rourke, AP
Hundreds of area residents filled the seats and stood during a vigil at Congregation Kol Ami in White Plains, N.Y. on Oct. 28, 2018, in response to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh synagogue. The vigil was organized by several Westchester County based Jewish organizations. SETH HARRISON, The Journal News-USA TODAY Network
People gather outside the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum on Oct. 28, 2018, in Pittsburgh, during a community gathering in the aftermath of the deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue. MATT ROURKE, AP
People listen to interfaith speakers on Oct. 28, 2018, at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall before a service to honor and mourn the victims of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh. JEFF SWENSEN, Getty Images
Community members gather at the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall for a vigil for the victims of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh. ADAM SCHULTZ, EPA-EFE
A person mourns at a makeshift memorial at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh. MATT ROURKE, AP
Emergency responders put up barriers near the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Oct. 28, 2018. SARA C. TOBIAS, Newark Advocate, USA TODAY Network
Flowers and cards sit at a makeshift memorial down the street from the site of the mass shooting that killed 11 people and wounded 6 at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh. JEFF SWENSEN, Getty Images
Police tape surrounds the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Oct. 28, 2018. SARA C. TOBIAS, Newark Advocate, USA TODAY Network
People hold candles during a vigil against anti-Semitism and white supremacy, in response to the shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh, at the Human Rights Monument in Ottawa, Ontario, on Oct. 28, 2018. JUSTIN TANG, The Canadian Press via AP
Fans pause for a moment of silence to honor the victims of the shooting in Pittsburgh before the game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY
Posters at Heinz Field honor the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue before the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports
People walk under the U.S. and Israeli flags projected on the walls of Jerusalem old city, Oct. 28, 2018, organized by the Jerusalem municipality to show solidarity with the Pittsburgh Jewish community following the shooting attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. MENAHEM KAHANA, AFP/Getty Images
People wait their turn to place flowers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. Matt Rourke, AP
The flag flies at half-staff before the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Philip G. Pavely, USA TODAY Sports
A makeshift memorial is seen down the street from Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. Sara C. Tobias, Newark Advocate, via USA TODAY Network
Two people support each other in front of flowers at a makeshift memorial at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. Matt Rourke, AP
"Closed because of yesterday" sign posted in the window on Pinskers Judaica Center on Murray Ave. in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. Sara C. Tobias, Newark Advocate, via USA TODAY Network
Flowers lay outside of the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. Sara C. Tobias, Newark Advocate, via USA TODAY Network
Members of the FBI and others survey the area on Oct. 28, 2018, outside the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, 2018. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP/Getty Images
Members of emergency services gather, Oct. 28, 2018, outside of the Tree of Life Synagogue after a shooting there left 11 people dead in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, 2018. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP/Getty Images
A girl holds thank-you notes on Oct. 28, 2018, outside of the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, 2018. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP/Getty Images
Anne-Marie Silver, left, Mara Silver and Beth Silver, all members of Congregation Dor Hadash Synagogue, attend a candle-light vigil in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. NEIL STREBIG, York Daily Record via USA TODAY Network
Amira Woodson, 39, left, and Alison Culyba, 39, attend a candle-light vigil in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. NEIL STREBIG, York Daily Record via USA TODAY Network
Mourners gather for vigil in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. SARA C. TOBIAS, Newark Advocate via USA TODAY Network
Mourners gather in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh for a vigil. SARA C. TOBIAS, Newark Advocate via USA TODAY Network
Aisling McIntyre, of Pittsburgh, hugs a friend during a vigil during a vigil in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. SARA C. TOBIAS, Newark Advocate via USA TODAY Network
Stephanie Myers and Sally Merar, both of Pittsburgh, try to light candles in a drizzle during a vigil in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. SARA C. TOBIAS, Newark Advocate via USA TODAY Network
Mourners gather for a vigil in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. SARA C. TOBIAS, Newark Advocate via USA TODAY Network
A resident talks with police as the Tree of Life Congregation in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports
Police outside and other emergency crews outside the Tree of Life Congregation in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports
Residents and police outside the Tree of Life Congregation in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports
Police and media await near the Tree of Life Congregation in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports
Tammy Hepps, hugs Simone Rothstein, right, on the intersection of Shady Avenue and Northumberland Street after multiple people were shot at The Tree of Life Congregation synagogue. ALEXANDRA WIMLEY, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP
People comfort each other at the site of a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. ANDREW STEIN, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP
People comfort each other at the site of a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. JEFF SWENSEN, Getty Images
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf at the site of a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. JEFF SWENSEN, Getty Images
Tammy Hepps, left, Kate Rothstein and her daughter, Simone Rothstein, 16, pray from a prayerbook a block away from the site of a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. JEFF SWENSEN, Getty Images
Law enforcement officers secure the scene where multiple people were shot at the Tree of Life Congregation. ALEXANDRA WIMLEY, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP
Law enforcement run with a person on a stretcher at the scene where multiple people were shot at the Tree of Life Congregation. Alexandra Wimley/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP
Police and medical personel gather on the side of Tree of Life Congregation. ANDREW STEIN, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP
Police rapid response team members respond to the site of a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation. JEFF SWENSEN, Getty Images
A man holds his head as he is escorted out of the Tree of Life Congregation by police following a shooting at the Pittsburg synagogue. ALEXANDRA WIMLEY, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP
People gather on a corner near the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa., where a shooter opened fire on Oct. 27, 2018, injuring multiple people. GENE J. PUSKAR, AP
Neighbors around the corner from the site of a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue embrace one another in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Oct. 27, 2018. JEFF SWENSEN, Getty Images
Police respond to an active shooter situation at the Tree of Life synagogue on Wildins Avenue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pa. on Oct. 27, 2018. PAM PANCHAK, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP
First responders arrive at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa on Oct. 27, 2018. GENE J. PUSKAR, AP
First responders surround the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Oct. 27, 2018. GENE J. PUSKAR, AP
The façade of the synagogue had been broadcast around the world. Esty was accustomed to seeing it on a screen, until she and her classmates walked toward it Monday afternoon
"It's moving right in front of us, and the names of all the people, and you just felt it in the air, it was tangible," she said a few hours later from a meeting room at her school. Sisters Talia, 14, and Ayala Rosenthal, 17, joined her in an interview with USA TODAY. "I feel like by going back to the place and praying there and singing there, we just showed everyone that, you know, we can and will remain strong."
The suspected shooter, Robert Bowers, expressed his hatred toward Jews while speaking to an officer after he shot and killed 11 worshipers at Tree of Life synagogue Saturday. He faces hate crime charges.
"I don't want to be hated," Talia said. She wore blue bows in each of her pony tails and a ribbon around her neck."I know how it feels to be hated, and I don't want that for other people."
But outside her school, symptoms of hatred abounded. Three police SUVs stood sentry near the front entrance as students were dismissed. On a concrete path, someone had written "love and peace to you," which felt like a plea rather than a guarantee.
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In Judaism, a "minyan" represents a group of 10 or more, the minimum required to pray. Esty recalled how, at a vigil Sunday, a rabbi told those assembled that more than a minyan of Jews have been lost.
"It was just all of a sudden, 11 people from my nation are gone due to hate," Esty said. "It's hard. Yeah. It hits close to home."
Ayala's little slice of Pittsburgh has responded with friendliness and love, she said, though there's an unfortunate facet of it she can't seem to shake.
"It is heartbreaking in a way that we have to go through such a tragedy to see all of us come together," she said.
Etsy Peles, 17, wears a blue ribbon around her wrist in support for Pittsburgh. Peles is a senior at a girls-only high school within the Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh, saw the names written on white stars outside the synagogue, before dozens of bouquets. "It's moving right in front of us, and the names of all the people, and you just felt it in the air, it was tangible," she said a few hours later from a meeting room at her school. "And I feel like by going back to the place and praying there and singing there, we just showed everyone that you know we can and will remain strong. (Photo: Cara Owsley/The Enquirer)
Talia and Ayala said one of their neighbors lost his life. They feel a void on their block.
The shooter "tried to destroy us," Talia said, "tried to break us, but all you have done is just made us closer and tied us, made us more connected. So really it just, it didn't work. We are stronger."
Peter Ennis walked away down a leafy sidewalk after the girls filled the block with song.
He's lived in Squirrel Hill for 30 years. Rose Mallinger, the 97-year-old victim, was his neighbor. Her grandchildren played with his children. They called her by the Yiddish word for grandmother: Bubbe.
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The shooter is contemptible, in Ennis' mind, but he added he was pleased when he heard a Jewish nurse was caring for the man.
His wife stood nearby, both choking on tears. The couple broke down as they spoke of the victims.
Earlier in the day, Emery Noll and Elliot Cohen stood near the same spot, paying respects after laying down flowers. The 20-year-olds, both students at the nearby Carnegie Mellon University, called for more restrictions on guns.
Noll explicitly asked for help from the government.
"Not just telling us to have better security. It's horrible to think that people like this man could have guns that he does, and do the horrible things that he did."
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Cohen echoed her, saying there's no reason someone should have access to high-powered guns like an AK-47.
Maria Poznahovska, 27, spoke at a nearby coffee shop about the unfortunate but practical necessity for added security at Jewish places of worship.
At the same time, Poznahovska, who is engaged to a Jewish man, said security should be viewed as little more than a temporary measure, something that shouldn't be normalized.
"Generally I think that mentality that we have to carry weapons to feel safe really reflects on us as a society," Poznahovska said. "It normalizes the response that we react to violence with more violence."
The root problem, she said, is larger than access to guns and she believes begins with divisive discourse, in politics and elsewhere.
"The fact that so many people still feel this kind of hatred (indicates) we've not done a great job of combating these things," she said.
Mikiko Long, 38, is visiting from Massachusetts and spoke about the difficulty of speaking about the discrimination she faces to her relatives. Her mother is Japanese, and her father is of Irish descent.
"It's not always easy for people who don't experience (oppression) to understand these things," she said. But she makes a point of trying to be deliberate and creative in speaking with her relatives, to keep a line of dialogue open with others who may not share her perspective.
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Though 23-year-old Andre Solomon, Long's cousin, isn't Jewish, he can empathize to a degree with the victims at the synagogue.
"My father was murdered by a white supremacist because of the color of his skin," Solomon said. "I just feel disappointed again. People can't see that we're all human beings."
He, too, called for more stringent gun control laws after the synagogue shooting. He specifically advocated for limits to the firepower accessible to everyone and to the firearms available to those "who aren't mentally capable to have them."
Emma Rose Shapiro, 21, is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh and the president of the Challah for Hunger at Pitt, as well as a leader at the Hillel Jewish University Center.
Shapiro said there comes a time when "you can only offer so many 'thoughts and prayers.' After (the shooting), there should be moral outrage, especially among our leaders. But there were crickets. We need to vote them out."
Back at the Yeshiva school, an officer handed departing children gold stickers, dubbing them "junior police officers."
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Inside, copies of a writing exercise lined a wall. The prompt asked students what they can do to light up the world.
One student vowed to light Sabbath candles. Another to limit "lashon hara," or gossiping about others.
Others wrote about striving toward positivity, and using kind words, and reserving judgment.
Ayala Rosenthal, the senior high school student, agreed with her sister, Talia, that the response to hate, whether in person or online, should never be met with anger but instead with action.
"If you see someone hating on the street, stop them. Everyone has their own power to contribute to getting rid of hate," Ayala said. "Everyone has the potential to prevent hate from happening. Everyone has kindness."
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