Chattanooga community comes together for Pittsburgh synagogue shooting victims

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – After the shooting in Pittsburgh, the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga is bringing the community together and holding an all-faith vigil on Monday night.

Outside the Jewish Cultural Center there are signs of support. People spent the day writing messages to honor the shooting victims from the Tree of Life in Pittsburgh.

“The murder of 11 truly innocent individuals, and we felt that not only the Jewish community, but all of Chattanooga needed to come together and wrap our arms around each other and support each other so that we can heal,” said Michael Dzik, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga.

People in Chattanooga of all faiths are coming together with a vigil. There will be 11 candles for the victims and a 12th for the survivors and first responders.

“The reaction was stunned because we don’t think of these things happening to us. And us the Jewish community is quite united no matter where we live in the world and we feel that it is on us,” Dzik said.

Rabbi Shaul Perlstein, with Chabad of Chattanooga, says he is saddened by the events in Pittsburgh, but not surprised.

“Unfortunately, I can’t say it is completely unexpected. It hasn’t been 100 years since millions of Jewish people were targeted and killed. Growing up in Chicago, I can tell you that we experienced antisemitism there. Here in Chattanooga, the synagogue that I was rabbi for when I first moved here was bombed in the 70s,” Rabbi Perlstein said.

He says anything that brings people together, during a time of need is important.

“Anytime we can get people together to talk about unity and caring for one another. These are things we need to do a little more often,” Rabbi Perlstein said.

The vigil starts at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the Jewish Cultural Center.

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Categories: Chattanooga, Featured, Local News

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