Eleven candles were lit in Vancouver on Sunday for the victims of an attack on a synagogue in Pittsburgh. (Jon Hernandez/CBC)
Vancouver Island’s Jewish community will be gathering at a community memorial this week to remember the 11 victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting on Saturday.
The memorial will be held indoors at the Jewish Community Centre of Victoria at 3636 Shelbourne St. at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30.
In a statement, Selma Linzer, vice-president of external affairs for the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island, and Jeff Kushner, vice-president of internal affairs, said the board will be sending condolences and a message of support to the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh.
“The horrific tragedy at The Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha Synagogue in Pittsburgh during Shabbat services on Saturday has torn at our hearts and saddened and shocked us all beyond anything we could have believed possible,” the statement reads.
“May the memories of all who lost their lives be for blessing. May those who were injured make a full and speedy recovery.”
Robert Bowers, the suspect in Saturday’s mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue appeared in court Monday.
The 46-year-old man was charged Saturday with 30 state crimes and 29 federal counts, including hate crimes.
Robert Bowers accepted a court-appointed lawyer and has been ordered held without bail for a preliminary hearing on Thursday when prosecutors will outline their case against him.
Bowers was shot and wounded in a gun battle with police after what is believed to be the deadliest attack on Jews in American history.
Linzer and Kushner also said in the statement that Jewish communities across Canada have contacted authorities to review security measures at various institutions.
“While there is certainly a need for vigilance at this time, we are not aware of any threats to our Jewish institutions in the aftermath of the tragedy in Pittsburgh,” the statement reads.
Due to the space limitations of the venue, the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island is asking that only members of the Jewish community attend the memorial.
With files from The Canadian Press
CHEK News
