February 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Local Jewish Leaders Lead Vigil in Wake of Pittsburg Synagogue Shooting

Lawmakers, Jewish leaders mourn death of 11 worshippers.

By Sam Catanzaro 

In the wake of the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday that left 11 worshipers dead, local Jewish leaders and lawmakers came together Sunday evening at a vigil in West Los Angeles to pay respect and mourn the tragedy.

“The 11 people that died in that synagogue are all of us. We all have to come together, to be strong together,” said Jay Sanderson President & CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. “This isn’t about the Jewish community, this isn’t about any one community. The only thing we can do to mend our broken hearts is to be one, is to respect each other, to live with each other, to love each other, to celebrate what we have in common, not where our differences are. We are not Jews, we are not Muslims, we are not Christians, we are people, we are human beings.”

Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles and the first Jewish mayor to be elected as L.A.’s mayor gave an impassioned speech during the vigil, reading the name of the 11 victims killed during Saturday’s worship services.

“Tonight Los Angeles comes together with Pittsburg. Tonight Westwood is Squirrel Hill. Tonights Jews and Christians and Muslims and people of every faith and even no faith come together at this moment, to light a candle with neighbors, to make a connection,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti at the gathering in front of the Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard. “When swastikas in this country march by synagogues, when elders are mowed down, when are people are killed as a baby is being named, when our first responders who come to protect us are shot alongside…we will not be silent.”

The vigil took place in front of the Federal Center on Wilshire Boulevard.

Rabbi Sharon Brous with Ikar LA made clear in her remarks that in mourning the mass shooting, it is important not to forget the hatred that exists in the United States fueling such tragedies.

“We must be clear-headed and unequivocal in naming and condemning the disease of hatred that has permeated the culture of this nation,” Brous said.

According to the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations’ recently released 2017 Hate Crimes Report, while overall religious motived hate crimes did not rise, Anti-Semitic crimes rose four percent from 2016. In addition, 72 percent of all religious hate crimes were targeted at the Jewish community.

On March 3 of this year a serial vandal spray-painted, “Jew Rat” on a bank and a kosher market on the same block. A synagogue is located across the street from the bank.

A breakdown of religiously motivated hate crimes in Los Angeles for 2017. Graphic: Los Angeles Commission on Human Relations.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz, who is Jewish himself and represents much of the Westside, put out a statement following the shooting expressing his sorrows and while offering his office’s services.

“Our prayers are with the families of those killed in this horrendous act of violence. Shalom means Peace,” Kortez said. “In response to the tragedy in the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, please know pro-active measures are being taken by the LAPD and my staff to reach out to our neighborhood Rabbis and Schuls.”

Koretz’s Director of Public Safety Gregory Martayan has been in communication with relevant public safety agencies in the coordinated, unified response to the tragedy. In his statement, Koretz encouraged all Jewish institutions in the Fifth District who may have concerns to reach out to Martayan (213) 505-8420.

 

in News
<>Related Posts

Country Club Donates $1M for Palisades Recovery

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

The club has encouraged members and partners to contribute to an established fund The Riviera Country Club has pledged $1...

UCLA Suspends Pro-Palestinian Student Groups Following Protest at UC Regent’s Home

February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

Chancellor Cites Potential Student Code Violations; Student Groups Reject Allegations UCLA has suspended two pro-Palestinian student organizations following a protest...

Black History Greens Festival to Celebrate Community Legacy of Virginia Avenue Park

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

The free community event is part of Santa Monica’s Black History Month celebrations, with the 2025 theme, “Roots and Reflections:...

Flash Flood Warning Issued for Burn Areas, LAFD Officer Swept off Road by Debris

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Storm Damage Closes Pacific Coast Highway, Officials Urge Caution Not even members of the LAFD are being spared from the...

Film Review: Love Hurts

February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

FILM/ REVIEWLOVE HURTSRated R83 MinutesReleased February 7th Valentine’s Day is written all over this movie. Love Hurts seems to be...

New Map Tracks Palisades Cleanup Progress, Identifies Phase 1 and Phase 2 Areas

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

New interactive map helps residents track debris removal progress as officials emphasize unprecedented cleanup speed A newly released interactive map...

Santa Monica Hotel Event Space Offers Affordability, Accessibility

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Elevate Your Events with Versatile Venues and Exceptional Service Coastal stays and eclectic event spaces don’t have to be expensive....

Santa Monica Arson Suspect Arrested After String of Fires Across City

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string...

Tai Chain to Donate Santa Monica Grand Opening Proceeds to Wildfire-Affected Restaurants

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The restaurant’s U.S. presence began in Arcadia, Calif., in 2000, and has since expanded to 17 locations  Din Tai Fung,...

SMMUSD Makes Rain-Related Announcement About Malibu Schools This Week

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Road Closures and Flood Warnings Force the School District’s Hand All four public schools in Malibu will be closed on...

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

Man Sues Famous Marina del Rey Bar for Alleged Assault

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages By Zach Armstrong A patron has sued Brennan’s Pub in Marina del...

Phase 2 Debris Removal Underway in Palisades, Officials Tout Historic Recovery Speed

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Residents Urged to Submit ROE Forms as Crews Accelerate Debris Removal Efforts Crews have begun Phase 2 of debris removal...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

One of Palisades’ First Black Homeowners Seeks Support After Fire Destroys Home

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Now displaced, she faces uncertainty in finding stable housing Nearly $42,000 has been raised for Louvenia Jenkins, a 97-year-old woman...