PHOTOS BY RICHARD COOK | KYLE HOLBROOK CREATED THIS SQUIRREL HILL MURAL TO PAY HOMAGE TO THE 11 VICTIMS OF THE 2018 SYNAGOGUE SHOOTING AND RAISE GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS.

In an effort to memorialize the 11 victims of the 2018 Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting and shed light on gun violence awareness, local artist Kyle Holbrook has created a powerful mural that was unveiled Wednesday morning.

The mural, located at 5819 Phillips Ave. in Squirrel Hill, was revealed during Gun Violence Awareness Month.

The mainly black-and-white piece pays homage to the victims of three congregations — Tree of Life, New Light and Dor Hadash — Joyce Fienberg, Richard Gottfried, Rose Mallinger, Jerry Rabinowitz, Cecil Rosenthal, David Rosenthal, Bernice Simon, Sylvan Simon, Daniel Stein, Irving Younger and Melvin Wax while pleading for an end to gun violence and antisemitism.

It features an orange-painted stop sign, symbolizing the urgent need to address gun violence, alongside an image of the Tree of Life and temporary memorials that were created by people in the aftermath of the tragedy. The mural will also include a QR code linking to Tree of Life’s fundraising efforts, emphasizing the importance of supporting the community affected by the shooting, according to a press release from the mural’s sponsor, Moving the Lives of Kids Community Mural Project, which was founded by Holbrook. 

Holbrook, known for his impactful stop gun violence murals, has created a significant body of work advocating for an end to gun violence. Having lost 46 friends and acquaintances to gun violence over the last 30 years, Holbrook has painted murals in 49 of the 50 states, spreading awareness and inspiring action.

His recent international tour encompassed countries such as Spain, Greece, Sweden, Turkey, Indonesia and New Zealand, where he protested against the war in Ukraine.

Holbrook’s work also aims to raise awareness on the need for increased access to therapy, counseling, mental health awareness and readily available resources to help reduce gun violence, noting there is a need for “collective action.”

“We believe that by highlighting the human impact of gun violence and promoting mental health support, we can foster a community that is both aware and actively involved in seeking solutions,” said Holbrook in the release. “This memorial mural stands as a testament to the lives lost and a call to action for us all.”

The 2018 synagogue massacre is believed to be the deadliest antisemitic attack in American History. Robert G. Bowers of Baldwin Borough was recently found guilty of 63 counts, including 11 counts of hate crimes resulting in death. The penalty phase of his trial began this week where it will be determined if Bowers will face the death penalty.