Hundreds of metro residents gathered Monday night to honor the eleven victims of the weekend mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Those who attended the vigil at Beth El Synagogue came from all different religious backgrounds, all united in sorrow and love.
The outpouring of support for the Jewish community was seen long before the Omaha synagogue became standing room only, with attendee Michael Raffel telling 6 News, "Actually, our neighbors came. They had written my mom a paragraph of text about how badly they feel about this and how terrible it is to happen. I just don't have any words. It's so incredibly nice."
The vigil was just one step toward showing others they are loved. Attendee Gina Comstock told 6 News, driving out the hate goes far beyond Monday night's gathering. "It shows that there is love in Omaha and that there is support, but the existence of love does not negate the existence of hate. Every individual can start with themselves and their own ideas and thinking and compassion."
The mood of the night was somber, but there was a sense of belonging. The synagogue also made sure to protect those in attendance by having extra security at the vigil, with law enforcement guarding the doors.
Community leaders and congressional candidates Kara Eastman and Don Bacon were in attendance.
(Photo courtesy of 6 News)