There was a shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday, October 27 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The shooter, Robert Brown, had previously used the now-removed app, Gab, which was often employed by those who expressed far-right (Republican/conservative) ideologies. Brown used the app to express his disdain for those who were of the Jewish faith. Eleven people in total were killed in the shooting while sixteen were injured. As of this date, Robert Brown is in custody and will soon face the 29 charges against him.
As a Christian University, we must pause and reflect on our everyday moments and what they mean to others. I feel that prayer is not enough, that we have to act and use our motto of Faith, Reason and Justice, and in this case, especially Justice. Honestly, I am tired of hearing about another shooting taking place and becoming so desensitized to violence that I barely give the shootings second thought. While writing this, I interviewed a few people to allow them to express their thoughts on the shooting and how a Christian college should respond.
“Thoughts and prayers for all the friends and family,” said Alec, a boy I met while sitting down to write this. “It all just blends together.” Liz Peck, the tutorial accordant for the Cushing Center for academic support, said that the event was “horrific and an opportunity to come together and help. I’ve seen Christians, Muslims, and Jews come together. And I think that unity is very important.” I feel that we, as a Christian school, should focus on helping one another and supporting the families that were affected.
Another way to help end these mass shootings is to vote. I know that people may be tired of being told to vote, especially with the recent election that just took place. However, as a Christian, I believe that it is a moral duty for all people to participate in our country’s elections. Especially as college students, we are the up and coming generation to make a difference. Looking at media, it is obvious that our generation is outspoken about their beliefs and stand up for what they believe in. They want to see change in our country. However, in history, 18-29 year olds are the least likely to vote, even within the United States 2016 election. This is troublesome because there is so much potential for our generation to change our country’s policies because of how deeply we care. Yet, there will be no change unless we have the right people in government who also care about these changes.
I, feel that to be respectful, I should talk about some of the victims of the Pittsburgh shooting and the lives they led. Max Wax was an 87 year old man who adored his grandson, the Pittsburgh pirates and Jewish prayer. He was always very devout in his religion and always showed up early on Fridays and Saturdays to worship. Rose Mallinger was a happy-go-lucky 97 year old woman who led a strong family life and knew everyone from her children to her one great-grandson. Friends and family expected her to reach her 100th birthday, but unfortunately that never happened. Bernie and Slyvan Simon died in the very synagogue where they were married more than 60 years ago. These are just a few of the victims and if you care to research the rest of them, you will find that they led meaningful lives which we should all try to imitate.
Sources: United States Census Bureau, CNN