In Unity and Commemoration

Dear College of Fine Arts Community:

Tomorrow, October 27, 2021, will mark the third anniversary of the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the United States — an attack that took place at the Tree of Life — Or L'Simcha Congregation in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A place of worship that is located mere blocks away from our campus.

This shooting was an act of white supremacist domestic terrorism resulting in the loss of 11 lives and six wounded people, including several Holocaust survivors. It was an act of cowardice, violence and hatred that has no place in our community, our campus or in our lives.

Although this day may bring up many painful memories for members of our community, I hope it also sows the seeds of hope and opportunity that members of the Tree of Life planted days following this attack. Their work in reinforcing messages of love and forgiveness are an inspiration and reminder that fostering community is collective work we must all commit to.

Our work as a people, as one diverse community, is never-ending. How we speak to one another, support each other, engage and learn from one another are how we will nurture growth, opportunity and transformation. It is evident the nation, our university, and our college have a long way to go toward creating and sustaining true inclusion, but what is also evident is the intention to get there.

Please consider attending any of the following events to honor and remember the victims of this day and to be in unity with our Jewish brethren:

• CMU Hillel sponsors a learning session on resilience at 7 p.m. tonight (October 26).
• Carnegie Mellon University’s Office of Religious Life also will hold an event at The Fence at 11:45 p.m. tonight, commemorating Tree of Life: Communicable Gathering and Fence Painting.
• Healing Partnership will hold a public, outdoor Commemoration ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 27, in Schenley Park at the intersection of Hobart Street and Prospect Drive.

In unity,

Valeria J. Martinez, M.S.E.
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
College of Fine Arts