At the Zoroastrian booth (Children’s Patch) of the Parliament of World Religions hosted in November ‘18, we invited visitors to write a note to the Pittsburg Tree of Life Congregation, who tragically lost eleven loving lives to a racist shooter on October 29. 

Article by Nawaz Merchant

At the Zoroastrian booth (Children’s Patch) of the Parliament of World Religions hosted in November ‘18, we invited visitors to write a note to the Pittsburg Tree of Life Congregation, who tragically lost eleven loving lives to a racist shooter on October 29. 

Here’s what happened: Visitors noticed the poster request and stopped to write heartfelt messages of love and sympathy, sharing their thoughts about the tragedy and their desire to tell the bereaved about their feelings of solidarity. A hundred and eleven messages filled seven sympathy cards, covering them with notes, large and small, in different languages. Many took the address labels so that they could write their own notes and cards as well.

Here are some of the messages: “Sending you love from Toronto. We are thinking of you.” “The world is so cruel, but please don’t lose hope!! There is more good than bad.” “I join your great sorrow. It is my great sorrow. May we meet in joy.” “May divine light bring healing and grace to your community.” “To my FRIENDS and FAMILY, My heart is overflowing with prayers of love and comfort for you. I AM so sad. I feel with you and for you.” “My brothers and sisters, my heart breaks for you. You are in my prayers.” “Greatly saddened by the loss of innocent and precious lives. We stand with you united in this moment of grief. We pray for the departed souls and for their families, for God to give them strength to bear this great loss of their love ones.” “In my heart and being I am with you in solemn contemplation of this event. We will gain strength from each other, growing, rising and moving forward.” “My heart is rent asunder by the confused actions of destruction upon your light.” “What is remembered, lives! My heart is full and overflowing with love and sorrow. May you receive that which you need in abundance and stand forever encompassed in God’s love. May your pain be lightened and your sorrows water the souls as they live on in our hearts.” “I am so, so sorry that intolerance and hate are directed to you, a kind loving compassionate beautiful community. Please feel the support of us that love you.” And many, many more!

Parliament attendees were members of two hundred different religions, a warm, generous body present to feed their spirit and connect with like minds. They stopped by our booth to write a note and learned about the ancient monotheistic religion explained by Zarathushtra. Twelve hundred school children also visited, families with toddlers, elderly people in wheelchairs and walkers.

One gentleman from Korea asked, “What can anyone do to prevent this from happening again?”

I thought of the national gun debate—how could someone outside the USA understand it? Guns and bigotry, a deadly combination. Instead, we spoke about how modern technology can feel alienating, and the need to strengthen bonds of friendship with all people, those who look like us, are in our families, and also those who don’t, who we might see in the supermarket, or pass in the street.

“How hard is it to say a word to someone in the line, to ask, is everything alright?” he wondered.

“We do what we can. Many of us donate to charities and non-profits,” I replied.

“Perhaps it is also rewarding to spend some time helping, volunteering, or teaching,” he murmured.

Volunteering does indeed warm the heart. Yet I wondered if we are reaching those most in need? Perhaps it is the troubled ones, those who are ‘off’, who we roll our eyes at that need kindness the most. “We are one continuum, one universal family,” the Parliament speakers seemed to say, each in their own way, leaving us with a life-long message, “Let’s go big–let’s care for ALL of life.”

Our sympathy cards were mailed to the Tree of Life Congregation, hoping it will bring them solace to know how many people care so deeply.

The cards can be view in the gallery below. 

Nawaz Merchant was one of the Coordinators of Zoroastrian Booth, Interfaith Family Festival at Parliament of World Religions, 2018. She is also the current co-chair of the FEZANA Funds and Finance Committee and an active member of the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York