SV students discuss effects of antisemitism after film
JACKSON TWP — Walking into the auditorium of Seneca Valley Intermediate High School was an emotional experience for Lauren Mallinger, who’s mother-in-law died in the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting.
“I started breaking up as soon as I got in here,” she said.
On Friday, the Mallinger family was able to talk to sophomore students about the effects of antisemitism following a viewing of the film “Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life.”
The film features the Mallinger family and others in the Squirrel Hill community and depicts how families came together in the aftermath of the shooting.
In the attack, 11 worshipers were killed at the synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
According to Michele Russo, an English teacher at the school, the film fits well with existing school curriculum.
“In history, (students) are learning about World War II. Our English curriculum talks about bias, hatred. It’s making them better citizens using literature and writing to make them a whole person,” she said.
“Repairing the World” was brought to Seneca Valley through a company called Teen Screen, which organizes question-and-answer sessions along with the film showing.
“It’s all about what you can do to overcome (hatred),” Lori Sisson, Teen Screen director, said about the film. “It’s about a sense of community. What the family wants to see is what kids can take from this into their communities.”
The Mallinger family’s story was told throughout the film using interviews and scenes from their life after the incident at Tree of Life.
“We thought having the Mallingers (at the assembly) was the extra personal connection we needed,” Sisson said. “We find students engage well with this film because it’s so personal.”
Rose Mallinger, who was 97 years old when she was killed, was the oldest victim of the shooting and a Holocaust survivor.
Her immediate family represented her at the assembly, including her oldest son, Stanley.
“I’d like this film not to be so much about us, but more about repairing the world,” he said. “(Each time) we see it, we always see something different.”
A later question-and-answer session gave students the opportunity to share how the film impacted them.
“Everything bad that happens in the world starts with ignorance,” said student Amy Ramirez. “Asking questions can help. Nothing good comes from judging.”
Dani Maloberti, another student, said she was very familiar with the events at Tree of Life, but seeing the film added much to her perspective.
“Actually, seeing it so close to home is absolutely horrific,” she said.
“It makes me want to do more and ask questions,” Amy added.
One person asked how the impending trial against the alleged shooter, Robert Bowers, would affect the victim’s families.
“It’s going to be a difficult time for our community,” Stanley Mallinger said.
Bowers is facing more than 60 federal charges in connection with the shooting. Jury selection for his trial begins April 24.
Russo said she felt students handled the subject matter well, and she was curious to unpack the film with them.
“Let’s see next week how they really feel,” she said.
“Overall, these kids did very well (with the film),” Lauren Mallinger said. “I wanted to tell them more.”
Lauren Mallinger later asked the students to raise their hands if they ever had stood up for someone who was being mistreated because of their ethnic background, religion or beliefs. Many students indicated they had.
“The fact that you did it shows a lot of character,” she said.
The Mallinger family said the synagogue soon will be renovated. The portion of the building where the shooting occurred will be revamped as a place of reflection, Stanley Mallinger said.
“It will be a symbol of (us) rising against antisemitism and racism,” Lauren Mallinger added.
She further charged the students to take what they saw in the film to heart.
“You have a to spread a new message, so there is more tolerance going on,” she said.
