A group representing London’s Jewish community has organized a vigil to honour the victims of Saturday’s mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue.
Eleven people were killed and six others were wounded when a man opened fire in the Tree of Life Synagogue with an AR-15 assault rifle and three handguns, all purchased legally.
Robert Bowers has been charged in the attack that police are describing as a hate crime. He reportedly told police “I just want to kill Jews.”
WATCH: 11 dead in Pittsburgh synagogue shooting rampage.
Like many other cities across Canada and the U.S., members of London’s Jewish community are inviting residents to a memorial and vigil event to pay tribute to those impacted by the tragedy.
“As members of the Jewish community, we believe in an inclusive, loving society,” said Joe Roberts, executive director of Jewish London. “We want to be part of that change, we want to be helpful in that change, so that’s why we’re having this vigil on Thursday night, to bring people together, to mourn this tragedy, to think about the future, and to work together towards a common goal.”
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Participants will hear from local Jewish community leaders, as well as leaders from other faith backgrounds, which Roberts believes is critical.
READ MORE: Pittsburgh shooting victim grew up and studied in Toronto, married at local synagogue, rabbi says
Roberts admits it’s disheartening that these types of incidents force them to re-evaluate their security measures.
Following a bomb threat at the Jewish Community Centre last year, Roberts said they updated their security policies and revisit them frequently. In light of Saturday’s shooting, the centre is considering conducting active shooter training.
“It’s unfortunate and something that I wish we didn’t have to do at all,” he said.
Everyone is welcome to attend the vigil on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the London Jewish Community Centre, located at 536 Huron St.
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