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George Washington University Hillel card (Washington D.C.) (08)
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover features the partial outline of a tree; most of the ink faded has faded by water damage at the memorial site. The inside, which also has partial fading due to water damage, reads: "I can't think of the words to say that could possibly make this better for all of you. Just know that we are all here for you, as a Jewish community sending love and strength your way. Though it may not seem like it now, we will all make it through this and work to make tomorrow a better day. Much love, [heart symbol] Lila."
Historical Notes
In the days after the October 27 attack, people began leaving objects at two locations outside the Tree of Life synagogue--one at the corner of Wilkins and Shady avenues in front of the Zittrain Gardens, and the other on a private lawn at Wilkins and Murray avenues, just beyond police barricades. Community volunteers moved the entirety of these two memorials inside the Tree of Life building on November 14, 2018, for preservation purposes. Most of these objects including this one were moved to archival preservation over the following year, but a small number were arranged in public display in the windows of the Hailperin Sanctuary. Rauh Jewish Archives staff and volunteers dismantled this display on February 16, 2023, and the objects were brought to the archive for preservation. George Washington University (GW) Hillel, which is an affiliate of Hillel International, is a pluralistic Jewish organization that provides college students with resources for Jewish life on campus. Twelve students from the GW Hillel, along with one staff member, travelled to Pittsburgh on October 30, 2018 to visit the Tree of Life synagogue and to participate in two of the victims' funerals. They deposited these letters at the Wilkins memorial during their visit.
Use and Reproduction
Donor Information
Donor
Tree of Life Congregation, New Light Congregation, Congregation Dor Hadash, Tree of Life Inc., The 10.27 Healing Partnership
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