VIGIL TO COMMEMORATE PITTSBURGH MASSACRE AT SHAAREY ZEDEK DRAWS OVER 2000 PEOPLE

A huge crowd of over 2000 people , including many non-Jews from a variety of backgrounds packed the Shaarey Zedek

Synagogue (both upstairs and in the downstairs lounge) at the vigil to commemorate the shooting in a Pittsburgh synagogue which left eleven

people dead. [ To see the vigil event in Winnipeg click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt0qEznC-7s&feature=youtu.be]

The vigil opened with the singing of "O Canada" by the Brock Corydon School Choir.

Rabbi Leibl of Congregation Shaarey Zedek referred to the turnout for the vigil as "overwhelming." He noted that "As Jews we are not unfamiliar with tragedy", but we "have never seen this type of attack before in North America ." He referred to the Pittsburgh synagogue attack as being "shocking" and "scary" and asked whether "it could happen again? Could it happen here?"

Leibl emphasized that the Jewish community was "not alone", as evidenced by significant number of our non-Jewish neighbors that had turned out for the vigil. He said that by gathering at the vigil "We are showing that we are not afraid to go to synagogue." He added "As Jews

we've shown our strength as a people..."

Laurel Malkin President of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg said that "On behalf of the Jewish Federation, our board, our partner agencies, our synagogues, and the entire Jewish community, we thank you for joining us as we reflect on the horrific events of Saturday, October 27th. We are honoured that so many of you have joined us here, to stand with us as we grieve for the victims and all of those affected by this tragedy."

Malkin then acknowledged the following dignitaries: Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, MP for Winnipeg South Centre,Heather Stefanson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Families, MLA for Tuxedo, Ron Shuler, Minister of Infrastructure, and Minister responsible for Manitoba Emergency Measures, MLA for St. Paul, Wab Kinew, Leader of the Official Opposition, MLA for Fort Rouge, Dougald Lamont, Leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party, MLA for St. Boniface,Jon Gerrard, MLA River Heights, Jon Reyes, MLA for St. Norbert, Flor Marcelino, MLA for Logan,Andrew Swan, MLA for Minto,Reg Helwer, MLA for Brandon West,Shannon Martin, MLA for Morris,Tom Lindsey, MLA for Flin Flon, Nic Curry, MLA for Kildonan,Nahanni Fontaine, MLA for St. Johns,Andrew Smith, MLA for Southdale,Blair Yakimoski, MLA for Transcona,Ted Marcelino, MLA for Tyndall Park, Bernadette Smith, MLA for Point Douglas, Mohinder Saran, MLA for The Maples

Mayor Brian Bowman, John Orlikow, City Councillor for River Heights Fort Garry,Police Chief Danny Smyth

Malkin noted that "The day of the shooting was a Shabbat, a day which is the holy centerpiece of our lives as Jews. A day for rest, reflection, and being with family. A day that was the scene of an unimaginable crime against the Jews of the Tree of Life congregation in Pittsburgh, and by extension, an attack on all of us. On civilized society. On freedom of religion. A day that will now live in infamy as the deadliest act of anti-Semitism in North American history."

"Eleven souls were extinguished in a cowardly, despicable act of hatred. For many of us, it is beyond comprehension that hatred such as this exists within our world. That a synagogue, a place for family, love, and prayer – became, even for a short time, a place of death."

She said that "... people of all backgrounds and faiths that we must stand together against hatred wherever it may occur."

Malkin added "We are resilient. We will continue to live our lives as Canadians, continue to go to school and work, and proudly contribute to society as we always have. As Jews, we will continue to worship at synagogues, convene at community centres, attend Jewish day schools and engage in our communal activities with pride and resolve."