Omaha's Jewish Community Reacts To Synogogue Tragedy

Saturday's shooting deaths of 11 people inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and the arrest of a 46-year-old man is being felt within the Jewish community in Omaha. 

"There are no words. There are no words for something like this," Rabbi Brian Stoller of Temple Israel told 6 News. "To think that people who came to prayer on Shabbat morning could be murdered in their sanctuary is terrifying."

Rabbi Stoller was struck by the tragedy in his own place of worship.  "When even one Jew mourns for the loss of a loved one, the entire Jewish community mourns alongside them," he told 6 News.

When the sun set on the Jewish Sabbath Day, Rabbi Stoller returned to the temple to send a message to of perseverance Omaha’s Jewish community.  One of perseverance. 

"Though we are devastated and heartbroken by this event, this will not break us. We will come together. We will mourn," Rabbi Stoller says. "We will grieve and we will remain strong."

And unity among all faiths.   "We have to come together as people of good conscience to banish this darkness and bring healing, and peace, and light into the world. Hatred and violence will never crush us."

46 year old Robert Bowers surrendered to authorities after the shooting and authorities say he made anti-Semitic statements during the shooting and targeted Jews on social media.

He faces 29 charges in what is believed to be the deadliest on the Jewish community in US history.



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