A raw, unflinching documentary that tells the story of the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue attack through the eyes of the SWAT officers who responded and the victims they saved. For five years, these officers were under a federal gag order. Now, for the first time, they break their silence.
In its documentary debut, The Debrief presents an unflinching examination of the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue attack through the voices of those who survived it and those who responded. Survivors, SWAT operators, and first responders come together to recount the chaos and critical decisions that unfolded during the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history.
Originally conceived as an episode of The Debrief with Jon Becker, the project quickly expanded into a documentary film as the depth and complexity of the incident became impossible to capture in a traditional interview format. Through interviews with survivors Andrea Wedner and Dan Leger, and unprecedented access to the responding personnel after a five-year gag order, Confronting Hate explores the operational realities of active violence, the challenges faced by first responders, and the lasting impact on those forever changed by the attack.
More than a historical record, Confronting Hate serves as a tactical and human debrief, preserving lessons learned while honoring the resilience of a community confronted by hate.
Why We Made This Film
Confronting Hate began as a planned episode of The Debrief, a podcast dedicated to examining critical incidents and preserving lessons learned for law enforcement and first responders. As I spoke with Pittsburgh SWAT officers and survivors of the Tree of Life attack, it became clear that the story required more than a single conversation.
This film was created to document those experiences and provide an honest look at the decisions, challenges, and realities faced by those who lived through that day. My hope is that by preserving these accounts, the lessons learned from this tragedy can help inform and prepare those who may one day face similar circumstances.
Host a Screening
Confronting Hate is available for organizational screenings, educational events, and community forums. Jon is available for post-screening discussions and Q&A sessions.
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