Local Jewish community responds to deadly synagogue shooting

EASTON, Md. – Dozens of calls poured into Rabbi Peter Hyman’s office on Sunday. This comes after eleven people tragically lost their lives when a gunman walked into the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and opened fire.

“I’ve received emails, texts and phone calls from friends and colleagues all across the country,” said Rabbi Hyman at the Temple B’Nai Israel.

“It’s sad, and I think that we still as human beings have a lot of work to do,” said Hyman.

According to officials, the gunman allegedly stormed into the synagogue during a special baby-naming ceremony, a moment that Rabbi Hyman said is the start of a child’s life.

“When a couple has a child, they often will bring the child to the synagogue in the context of a service, we call that family up, and I’ll bless the family and give the child a Hebrew name,” said Hyman.

President Trump recently said that the Pittsburgh synagogue would have been a safer place if they had protection. So, Rabbi Hyman said he is revamping their security by having more police nearby.

“As much as I’m saddened by that, I think you have to be prepared,” said Hyman.

Dave Bobrow, a member at a local synagogue, said that no matter how much protection you may have in any community anti-Semitism will always be prominent.

“Anti-Semitism has always been with us,” said Bobrow.

“Probably always will be, but what’s happened now is it’s been increasingly made legitimate,” said Bobrow.

But, despite the perceived hate against the Jewish Community, Rabbi Hyman said he believes things will get better in the years to come.