Nearly 10 weeks ago, Pittsburgh was shaken by a deadly mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill. The city’s resilience in the face of tragedy gripped the nation.
Central to Pittsburgh's collective response was the support and cooperation of various faiths. Religious leaders say that strength and unity began years ago -- intentionally -- and remains a guiding light for gathering, conversation and healing.
Local religious leaders joined The Confluence Wednesday to discuss the horror and challenges of last year, plus their hopes for 2019. Panelists include:
- Hamza Perez, youth director for the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh and co-founder of the Light of the Age Mosque in Pittsburgh;
- Liddy Barlow, executive minister of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania;
- Ellen Surloff, board president of Dor Hadash;
- De Neice Welch, senior pastor at Bidwell Street United Presbyterian Church and president of the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network; and,
- Zack Block, executive director of Repair the World Pittsburgh.
The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in weekdays at 9 a.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators join veteran journalist Kevin Gavin, taking an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here or wherever you get your podcasts.