Tree of Life

Today there was a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh.

The city is home to some of our closest family members. It’s where Jordyn’s grandparents met and grew up. It’s where Justin’s cousin lives. It’s where Jordyn’s parents married. It’s where Justin’s sister calls home.

The Tree of Life Synagogue is in the predominantly Jewish neighborhood of Squirrel Hill. This is the same neighborhood where Jordyn’s dad lived as a child. It’s the same faith community that has welcomed us home during times of loss and mourning within our immediate family.

Hatred in America is nothing new. This is not the first time in our history that communities have lived in fear. 

Throughout our travels, we’ve spoken to many who have expressed anger and have spoken out against violence. We’ve spoken to many who have called for gun policy reform. We’ve heard from those who won’t be placated by empty hopes and prayers. 

We join you in raising our voices - we raise them today as this violence hits close to home, and we will raise them again tomorrow. We will raise our voices from La Frontera here in Texas. Tendency to Wander began as an experiment - a listening campaign to hear from Americans and to share photos and stories of the unique and unifying.

We will continue to listen. We will continue to hand the microphone to those who are being ignored. We will continue to speak with you against hatred - against racism, anti-Semitism, sexism, ableism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia and all the isms and phobias that stand in the way of making America “great.” We will continue to work towards a safer, juster, America.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo from May 2018.