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Sunday, November 11, 2018

EXPRESSIONS by Claire Haslett

Stronger than Hate

On Saturday, October 27th, a terrible and extremely horrific shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania filled the national news.  Eleven lives were lost resulting in society being drastically changed forever.  This past week, my grandmother and I flew back east to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for my first cousin’s Bar Mitzvah.  Not only did we have a grand time celebrating the right of passage, but the burden found through Pittsburgh Pennsylvania was extremely overwhelming.

On the corner next to Tree of Life Synagogue early Saturday morning, a beautiful ceremony was led by Rabbi Chuck of Pittsburgh, in memory of all those affected.  The corner was completely covered in tents filled with thousands of flower bouquets, prayer cards, pictures of loved ones, and remembrance signs. The service was not only attended by the Jewish community but by other religious groups as well.  There were a variety of Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and many others congregated together to mourn the terrible event.  Finding deeper connection with other religious believers and coming closer to those that are complete and utter strangers was something greatly experienced that morning.

The shooting may not be a direct connection to each of our lives here in the tiny town of Morro Bay, California but the world will forever be changed from this hateful act of terror. There are signs and t-shirts, memorials and flowers, stickers on cars and posters in yards, across the entire city of Pittsburgh.

“Stronger than Hate” is the phrase that will forever stand throughout the city from this day forward.  Witnessing the sadness was heart-opening as strangers cried together, hugged together, prayed together, and thanked God together for our wonderful lives.  Religious beliefs should not separate us from our neighbors or cause hatred and conflict.

Eleven people lost their lives because of hate.  Eleven families were broken because of hate. A countless number of people were crushed.  The small four letter word “hate” can slip out of our mouths so fast that it does not even faze.  Think about how many times you hear, “I hate you” as a joke or “I hate….”  The word slip is found more frequently from the younger crowd as it is thought of as a fast come-back to a joke or derogatory statement.  The word hate is used in a way of dislike and is not heard for its disgustingly extensive true meaning.

Each and every day we witness hate from the news of our country and local politics.  Hate should not segregate us from others or have power over our lives.  Even though there is diversity surrounding us each and every moment, from race to religion to background, we should all love to the fullest potential.  Jesus taught us to love and treat one another as we want to be treated.

This horrifying shooting has brought great mourning and sadness to our country as well as the entire world.  Pittsburgh at this moment in time is a great example of support and love, as neighbors are standing “Stronger than Hate” hand in hand.  Love is not said enough nor shown enough because violence and unjust actions are saturating our lives.  Hatred has created a barrier stopping love even in the times where we cannot see it.  Standing in the mists of the depressed and mourning city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania revealed the message that the only way to stop hate is to love one another with great joy and acceptance.