Rabbis from the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh spoke out on Sunday night about the deadly shooting that happened there this weekend — with…
Rabbis from the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh spoke out on Sunday night about the deadly shooting that happened there this weekend — with some recalling the frightening moments when bullets started flying.
“I began services at 9:45 a.m.,” recounted Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, of Tree of Life.
“The shooting began a few minutes later,” he said, speaking to mourners at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall.
“I helped pull out the people that I could from the front, but — alas — I had eight people in the back. One fortunately survived.”
Most of the worshippers inside the synagogue were sitting in the back, according to Myers.
“Seven of my congregants were shot dead in my sanctuary,” he said. “My holy place has been defiled.”
Eleven people were killed during the Saturday morning shooting. Eight were men and three were women. Their names were read aloud during the vigil on Sunday.
“I’m a victim. I’m a survivor. I’m a mourner,” Myers explained.
He was joined by other rabbis from different congregations, who also spoke during the vigil.
“What happened yesterday will not break us,” said Rabbi Jonathan Pearlman, of New Light. “It will not ruin us.”
People in attendance paid their respects with songs and prayers, some lighting candles and others holding up signs — which said, “Tree of Life victims deserve better.”
‘We will rebuild,” Myers proclaimed.
