On Oct. 28 the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Penn., became the site of a mass shooting carried out by anti-Semitic citizen Robert D. Bowers. The massacre would result in the deaths of 11 people and injure an additional six. Unfortunately, the tragedy of mass shootings in not one uncommon to Americans. According to the Gun Violence Archive, the Pittsburgh shooting marks the 294th mass shooting in the United States in 2018. With this alarmingly high number on the rise, many North Atlanta students feel personally affected by this tragedy.

Since many North Atlanta students attend religious institutions, whether it be a church, synagogue or mosque, this tragedy hits close to home. While this shooting took place in Pennsylvania, many are disturbed by the fact that it could have occurred at their own place of worship. “This tragedy was absolutely horrible and it concerns me that this could have easily have happened at my own church,” said freshmen Grant Carter.

There were students at North Atlanta for whom the shooting had an even closer impact. Junior Charlie Olson has teen-aged friends in Pittsburgh who knew some of the  victims. “How can I console my friends who have lost people to a mass shooting?” said junior Charlie Olson.

A sobering fact behind the shooting was that the attack was the worst anti-Semitic in American history. For Jewish students at North Atlanta, the tragedy felt even more personal. “It is so upsetting that this shooting was a result of anti-semitism. While I was aware that this was still a problem in the world, this event still shocked me and made me realize how relevant this issue still is in today’s society,” said freshman Ellie Aferiat.

This event has had a nationwide impact, but North Atlanta students specifically have taken this event to heart. Whether they knew a friend affected by the shooting or they were angry that innocent people were murdered, this is not something that students have taken lightly. While this shooting was a devastating tragedy, it has raised awareness about important issues that need to be addressed.