Leaders within the Jewish community are concerned over acts of anti-Semitism following Saturday’s deadly mass shooting in Pittsburgh.
Investigators said 11 people are dead and six people are wounded after 46-year-old Robert Bowers allegedly entered the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill armed with an AR-15 and handguns.
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Three police officers were reportedly among the wounded.
Officials said Bowers was inside the synagogue for about 20 minutes before surrendering to authorities.
“We send our warmest thoughts and prayers all of the people in Pittsburgh, and particularly to the Jewish community,” said Alan Margolies, executive director for the Jewish Federation of Jacksonville.
Margolies said he felt a tremendous sense of loss after learning of the attacks.
He said executive director of the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh, Jeff Finkelstein, is a close friend.
“In fact, last week we spent some time in Israel together,” Margolies said.
He said the Jewish community around the country has had longstanding fears of attacks on synagogues.
Etz Chaim synagogue of Jacksonville president, Scot Ackerman, agreed.
Both men said 9/11 and other acts of a violence potentially fueled by hatred around the world in the years since, seemed to heighten awareness within the community to the potential of violence at places of worship in the U.S.
“People are upset about this,” he said. “People are heartfelt about this.”
Ackerman and Margolies said synagogues around America have improved security measures.
They said local Jewish community leaders are working alongside JSO and the FBI to maximize security on the Sabbath.
“We’ve always stood diligent,” Ackerman said. “This isn’t the first time there’s been attacks on synagogues.”
Cox Media Group
