My brothers – Cecil and David – loved the Tree of Life.

The boys somehow knew that they were different and too often they were excluded. But at the Tree of Life, they were included. The building was a second home to them and the congregation was an extended family.

As children, the boys attended services with my grandmother, Ida Rosenthal. As adults, they were in Shabbat services every Saturday morning. Cecil was the greeter and would help pass out the prayer books. During the service, David would sit next to his friend, Audrey.

I know my brothers will forever be linked to the horrors of what happened six years ago today, on October 27, 2018, but it is my hope – and the hope of so many families and survivors of 10/27 – that our loved ones aren’t solely remembered for how they were killed.

We want them to be remembered for how they lived their beautiful lives.

Today as we commemorate the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history, I hope you’ll also join me in pausing to fully remember the 11 who were taken from us that day – their smiles and laughs, and the jokes and stories they told.

Thank you for all you’ve done over the past six years to keep the victims’ memories alive and to rebuild the community my brothers so loved.

Diane Rosenthal

Sister of David and Cecil Rosenthal

Board Member, The Tree of Life