PHOTO COURTESY: 10.27 HEALING PARTNERSHIP

Blue ribbons are adorning doors and trees across the region proving that hate has no home here.

The 10.27 Healing Partnership launched the Blue Ribbon Campaign Thursday in an effort to support the families and survivors of the deadly Oct. 27, 2018, antisemitic attack on three Jewish congregations worshiping at the Tree of Life synagogue as the shooting suspect’s trial process continues. 

“So many people have asked how to show support and solidarity during the trial. We were reminded of the Stronger Than Hate signs and thought blue ribbons could have a similar impact now, here in our local community and in neighborhoods all over the country with ties to Pittsburgh,” Margie Ruttenberg, campaign organizer and member of the 10.27 Healing Partnership’s Working Group, said in a press release.

Displaying the blue ribbons “signifies solidarity with the families and survivors during the trial of the synagogue shooting perpetrator, as well as a commitment to standing up against hate and violence,” the partnership’s website reads. “We encourage individuals, families, and organizations to display blue ribbons.

They signify the healing power of community during difficult times, and the commitment to standing up against antisemitism and hate in all its forms. Together, we are stronger than hate.”

Jury selection began Monday for the murder trial of suspect Robert G. Bowers of Baldwin Borough who is accused of taking the lives of 11 victims, members of the Tree of Life, New Light and Dor Hadash synagogues — Joyce Fienberg, Richard Gottfried, Rose Mallinger, Jerry Rabinowitz, Cecil Rosenthal, David Rosenthal, Bernice Simon, Sylvan Simon, Daniel Stein, Irving Younger and Melvin Wax — and injuring six others. Jury selection is expected to take up to three weeks.

“The display of these blue ribbons, whether through tying them to your door or tree, creating bracelets, or creating art in a way meaningful to you, shows your connection to all those who have been harmed by violence and hate, and your commitment to standing with them through difficulty and pain,” the website continues.

Blue ribbons will be distributed to individuals and organizations at the 10.27 Healing Partnership, Room 316 of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, 5738 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. Ribbons are also available at Jewish Family and Community Services, 5743 Bartlett St., Squirrel Hill. Communities can also make their own and are encouraged to share photos of theirs with the partnership.

For more information on the campaign, visit the website.