Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life Screening Event

Moderator:

Elizabeth Seligman, PhD, Restorative Justice Practitioner: As a restorative justice advocate, educator, and person of faith, Elizabeth hopes that the communication and conflict resolution skills gained from the panel discussion will ripple out into the lives of the people we serve, ultimately making Centre County a more just place

Panelists:

Ezra Nanes, State College Mayor: Ezra is the 11th mayor of State College and the first Jew to serve in the role. As mayor, Nanes hopes to build strong relationships between the State College Borough Council, Penn State, and members of the local and regional community, and to affirm the dignity of all people.

Katie Nurmi, LGBT+ Board Member and FISH coordinator interim at State College Presbyterian Church: Katie Nurmi has served on various panels throughout the area and is an advocate for the LGBT+ community.

David Werner, Jewish community member & retired ophthalmologist:  David Werner resides in State College since 1978 when he moved here with his wife, Susan Werner. His son, Michael and his family were previous members of the Tree of Life synagogue.

Wael Jabr, Penn State Smeal College of Business Professor: Wael Jabr is a resident of State College, PA since 2020. He is involved with social matters especially in relation to justice and peace.

Andrea Wedner, Tree of Life synagogue member:  Andrea lives in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Hygiene

Alan Mallinger, Tree of Life synagogue member. Alan and his sister Andrea Wedner have been speakers about the community response to the Tree of Life shooting in Pittsburgh.

Support for this event was provided by the Wyncote Foundation and Not in Our Town.