How do our Jewish communities react after horrific tragedy? We show up.
Last Saturday, October 27th, a gunman walked into the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood and massacred 11 worshippers in what is being called the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in American history. Our hearts are broken over the terrible loss of life in Pittsburgh; we mourn with those lives cut short, grieve with their loved ones and pray for the recovery of those injured. In response to the tragedy, our reeling Jewish communities of Greater Philadelphia have reached out to one another for support — and have been reminded anew of the necessity of community.
On Sunday, October 28th, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia hosted an Interfaith Vigil of Solidarity and Hope at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, which filled with some 2,000 attendees (shown above). In a profoundly moving display of solidarity, public officials, Jewish organizations and faith leaders took turns at the bimah, sharing their commitment to working together to build a stronger community for everyone.
The next day, we at the Jewish Federation hosted a security meeting at our Jewish Community Services Building for all community congregations and agencies. Almost 300 people gathered or called in for a briefing from our Director of Security, as well as representatives from the Philadelphia Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. (For more about our communal security, click here.)
We strengthen one another when we show up as a community. This Shabbat, November 2nd and 3rd, we ask that you join us in support of the Jewish Federations of North America and AJC’s #ShowUpForShabbat, which encourages everyone to take action against anti-Semitism by attending synagogue on Friday night or Saturday. Show up to mourn; to give or take comfort; show up to declare yourself proud and unafraid. Find a congregation near you using our community resource guide and be reminded of the power of community.
