Locals unite with Jewish community to heal following synagogue shooting

BERLIN, Md. – The Temple Bat Yam in Berlin was packed Thursday night with people from all religions and races, uniting to combat the acts of hate that took place at a Pittsburgh synagogue Saturday.

The news hit close to home for Rabbi Estelle Mills, who led the service.  A close friend lived in Squirrel Hill, where the shooting took place.

“When the news broke, I was terrified that it could be her congregation… And you think it’s not going to happen.  When it happens, in a synagogue on Shabbat, it was terrifying that people walked in on our Sabbath.”

Others said the antisemitic acts reminded them of the unspeakable horrors in Europe generations ago.

“It brought back a lot of memories of the holocaust for me, which is where half of our family perished.  And a feeling of support for the people that were mourning,” said Florence Kasden.

But since the tragedy on Saturday, Rabbi Mills tells us she has seen an outpouring of support from the community.

“The idea came from other people saying ‘are you going to have an event of solidarity so that we can come and show you that we support you.’  I think it’s events like this that show that the community stands in support of all faiths, and that we’re united.”

And all that gathered agreed that the goal Thursday was to not only snuff out hate, but to to unite and to heal.

There will also be a Shabbat-Memorial Service Friday night in Salisbury.  The memorial is at 7 PM at Beth Israel Synagogue on Camden Avenue.  The entire community is invited.