Yet another act of mass violence. Not as close to home this time for me, but close enough. Something that I had hoped that I would never have to experience. A shooting in your hometown hits so much harder than one you hear about on the news. It’s hard to take it all in.

I live about two minutes away from the Tree of Life synagogue. Thankfully, I was on an amazing photo shoot in Wexford, but it still scared me. It scared me that I had to call my roommate franticly when I got the notification Saturday morning about an active shooter.

It scared me that something so tragic happened in my city, where I was born and raised. This was the deadliest attack on a Jewish community in U.S. history to date. These people were friends, family, doctors, lovers.

Most of you readers know that I have been a victim of mass violence, so this is why I take things like this to heart. I may not be physically crying but my heart is utterly shattered. For me, I am sadly getting used to the fact that violence will happen no matter what, but I’m still trying to grasp the fact that it happened here.

I ride the 65 bus every morning and some afternoons, the 65 line is the Squirrel Hill line. This Monday morning when I got on the bus, it was quieter than usual and I felt a deep sadness. Ever since that bus ride, I truly haven’t been the same.

What we need to realize is that Pittsburgh is unlike any other city in the nation or even the world. We all come together in times of need. We live in a city where there are many cultures, religions and races that all live together in
harmony.

I love my city. I always have and I always will. Pittsburgh is truly stronger than hate.

For Trump to say that it should have been armed with security is wrong. Would you want an armed security guard at your place of worship? I don’t think so. Nowhere seems to be safe anymore. Not schools, not movie theaters and not places of worship. Where can you go that is safe?

Mayor Bill Peduto personally requested that if Trump came to visit that he should come after the funerals. And what do you know? He came yesterday and many people, including me, don’t want him to ever set foot in Pittsburgh.

I am at a true loss for words. You can catch me wearing a black armband today, more than likely for the rest of the week and maybe even beyond.

As a side note, please make sure you vote next week. It is now imperative that you do. Don’t just talk the talk, walk it and follow through.