So, it has been a rough few days for our family. My son moved with his wife and 2 1/2 year old son to Squirrel Hill 3 months ago. They live a couple of blocks from the temple where the slaughter transpired. That is not their temple, but talk about being a little too close to home.

Their son attends a daycare run by another congregation nearby. My son and his wife were distraught dropping him off at his daycare that now has to have armed guards posted. I am thankful our grandson is too young to understand and feel fearful, but it breaks my heart that my son and his wife and Jewish households across the country are forced to confront the grim reality of the hatefulness that has gained traction in our country.

I have decided to join our town’s interfaith council that promotes understanding and toleration by organizing shared activities and projects. Whether working together raising funds or sponsoring events, the shared activities are a great way to develop trust, friendships and a sense of common purpose among people of different backgrounds. I hope some of you may consider joining such an initiative or starting something similar where you live. At times like this people often wonder, “what can we do?” So I figured I’d just suggest this as a possibility. This is the best way I can think of to thwart Trump’s hateful agenda. That, and of course, vote.