Something Was Wrong: WCN Presents: [J.E.] S6 Updates (Episode 2/3)
Released January 16, 2025 | Broken Cycle Media | Wondery

Introduction

In the second episode of the third series of "Something Was Wrong," Broken Cycle Media delves deeper into the harrowing journey of J.E. Reich, a journalist, editor, survivor, and victim advocate. This episode offers profound insights into Reich's quest for justice following the tragic 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Through candid victim impact statements and detailed courtroom narratives, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the lasting impacts of hate crimes and the arduous path to recovery.

Background: J.E. Reich’s Story

J.E. Reich first shared their traumatic experiences in Season 6, Episodes 5 and 6 of the series, where they recounted the devastating effects of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting. The attack not only resulted in significant loss of life but also unleashed a wave of antisemitic harassment and threats against Reich and their family. As of the episode's release in January 2025, Reich and their family continue to grapple with ongoing harassment despite the defendant’s arrest in March 2023.

Court Proceedings and Arrest

The episode begins with an update noting that the case was taken over by the Miami FBI field office in March 2023, leading to the defendant’s arrest and guilty plea (04:00). Victim 2 recounts their experience flying in for the sentencing hearing and meeting the FBI agents who handled the case:

“The FBI agent who was my main liaison throughout the entire thing ... was a very calming presence” (04:11).

This section highlights the procedural aspects of the case and the professionalism of the investigative team.

The Role of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

Victim 2 emphasizes the pivotal role of the Anti-Defamation League in bringing Reich's case to the FBI’s attention:

“There were a couple [from the ADL] who were instrumental in elevating this case to the FBI’s attention” (04:11).

Despite mixed feelings about the ADL, Victim 2 acknowledges their significant contribution to the case’s advancement.

Victim Impact Statements

A focal point of the episode is the emotional and powerful victim impact statements presented in court. Victim 1 delivers a compelling narrative detailing the psychological and emotional toll the harassment has taken on their life. Starting at 11:44, Victim 1 articulates:

“On paper, I am victim number three. But I am not an abstract. I am not an idea... I am here today to prove, despite the defendant's best attempts, that she has not erased me.”

The statement vividly describes the relentless stalking, threats, and the profound sense of fear and isolation that Reich has endured. Key excerpts include:

• Preying on Trauma: Victim 1 connects the harassment to the 2018 synagogue shooting, underscoring the compounded trauma:

  “When the calls started, my bones were already riddled with grief...”

• Personal Identity and Resilience: Emphasizing personal identity and survival, Reich declares:

  “I am a proud Jew, a proud queer person, and a proud transmasculine and non-binary person... My name is mine and no one will ever take that away from me” (11:44).

• Long-term Impact: Victim 1 discusses the enduring effects on mental health and daily life, including panic attacks and the loss of personal connections:

  “I stopped speaking to friends because the entirety of it all seemed so absurd... My life became smaller” (08:33).

Courtroom Experience and Support

During the courtroom proceedings, Victim 2 shares a touching moment of support from an FBI agent regarding restroom accommodations, highlighting the importance of small gestures in such a stressful environment:

“I have so much anxiety about doing something as human as going to the bathroom... she said, ‘You use whatever bathroom you want. You are going to be okay’” (35:28).

This interaction underscores the continuous support provided to victims beyond legal proceedings.

Defense Arguments and Reactions

Victim 2 provides a critical analysis of the defense's strategy to mitigate the defendant’s actions by attributing them to mental health issues. The defense attempted to draw parallels with other cases, including the Parkland shooting, to contextualize the defendant's behavior. However, Victim 2 criticizes these arguments for lacking factual accuracy and relevance:

“Migraines can contribute to a deterioration of your mental health in a certain capacity, but it does not make you an anti-Semitic asshole” (27:48).

Reich expresses frustration with the defense’s portrayal of the defendant’s mental health as a mitigating factor, arguing that it fails to address the deliberate nature of the hate-fueled harassment.

Personal Reflections and Healing Process

The episode also delves into Reich’s personal journey towards healing. Despite the relentless trauma, Reich shares moments of resilience and the gradual steps taken to reclaim their life:

“I began to write again. I found a therapist after months of waiting and had space to truly articulate the ways in which I’d been confined in a prison of someone else’s making” (25:30).

These reflections highlight the ongoing struggle and the slow process of recovery from such profound trauma.

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt exchanges between the host and the victims, commending their bravery and resilience. Reich’s final thoughts encapsulate the enduring impact of the harassment and the hope for true empathy and understanding:

“What cures bigotry is empathy. I want you to carry the words I say today and never forget them and to find a sense of empathy from your own experiences as a marginalized person” (08:33).

J.E. Reich’s closing remarks reinforce the significance of recognizing and addressing hate crimes, not just legally but also on a deeply personal and societal level.

Key Takeaways

• Enduring Trauma: The episode vividly portrays the long-term psychological impacts of hate crimes and targeted harassment.

• Quest for Justice: Reich’s unwavering pursuit of justice highlights the challenges victims face in legal systems.

• Support Systems: The role of organizations like the ADL and supportive individuals can significantly influence the course of justice and healing.

• Resilience and Recovery: Despite immense suffering, Reich’s story is also one of resilience, emphasizing the human capacity to seek healing amidst adversity.

Notable Quotes

• Victim 1 (Reich): “I am not an abstract. I am not an idea. I am a proud Jew, a proud queer person, and a proud transmasculine and non-binary person” (11:44).

• Victim 2: “The foundation of his argument was a hodgepodge of her mental health, which correlation does not equal causation” (27:48).

• J.E. Reich: “What cures bigotry is empathy” (08:33).

This episode of "Something Was Wrong" offers a poignant exploration of the aftermath of hate crimes, the relentless pursuit of justice, and the profound resilience of survivors like J.E. Reich. Through their narrative, listeners are invited to reflect on the enduring impacts of trauma and the essential role of empathy in combating bigotry.