Birmingham Jewish community reacts after deadly Pittsburgh synagogue attack

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Shooting Synagogue
A crowd holds candles on the lawn of the Sixth Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh during a memorial vigil for the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue. [Photo Credit: AP Photo | Gene J. Puskar]

The Levite Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Birmingham is speaking out after several people were shot and killed at a synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday morning.

“The Birmingham Jewish Community is shocked and saddened by the hatred and the senseless loss of life experienced by members of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, our Shabbat,” wrote the Levite JCC on Facebook. “We grieve for those lost and pray for healing for their loved ones and their whole community. We are touched by and grateful for the outpouring of support and love from the greater Birmingham faith community.”

On Saturday, the gunman opened fire at the Tree of Life synagogue, killing 11 people and injuring six others, among them four police officers. It was the deadliest attack ever on Jews in the United States.

According to law enforcement, suspect Robert Bowers specifically targeted Jews on social media posts online and made anti-Semitic comments during the shooting.

The Levite JCC is organizing a prayer vigil for the community, Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30pm on the steps of Temple Beth-El Synagogue, 2179 Highland Ave. Called “Stand with Pittsburgh: A Prayer Gathering for Shalom (Peace),” the event will “offer prayers for Shalom, Peace, for our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh and for our country.”

Read the full Facebook post below: