From Pittsburgh to Christchurch: Interfaith Solidarity Strengthens in the Face of Tragedy

Photo Credit: MARTY MELVILLE/Getty Images

3.20.19

From Pittsburgh to Christchurch: Interfaith Solidarity Strengthens in the Face of Tragedy

The interfaith support between two communities separated by thousands of miles of land and ocean is a testament to the bonds that bring us together despite differences of faith or nationality.

 

In October 2018, after the tragic shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Muslim community in Pittsburgh supported the Jewish community in many ways, including raising over $250,000 for the synagogue.

When the devastating shooting occurred at a mosque in New Zealand in 2019, the Jewish community of Pittsburgh mobilized, determined to stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in Christchurch. Within weeks, over 3000 donations were made with 100% of the donations dedicated to the victims and the mosque.

Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, through GRoW, contributed to the synagogue in Pittsburgh the previous year, and, with an equal donation, supported the mosque and community in Christchurch. 

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