Skokie Holds Vigil Against Hate After Pittsburgh Synagogue Attack

SKOKIE, IL — Local faith and community leaders are holding a vigil Monday evening in Skokie in response to a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Diverse members of the Skokie community will unite in protest of anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of bigotry, according to organizers. The demonstration is set for 6 p.m. Monday at Temple Beth Israel at 3601 Dempster Street.

The Skokie community, with a historically large population of Holocaust survivors and their relatives and a history of confronting Nazi ideology, is keenly aware of the need to counter messages of hate. Rabbis set to speak at the vigil and demonstration against the suspected hate crime, which is believed to be the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history, said the gathering would mourn, heal and stand against a tide of hate.

“In the face of hatred; we will forge understanding. In the face of violence, we will build peace; in the face of darkness, we will spread light,” said Rabbi Michael Weinberg of Temple Beth Israel, a reform synagogue in Skokie.

The murder of 11 people Saturday at a house of worship, many of them seniors, seemingly targeted because they were Jewish came three days after two senior citizens were murdered at a grocery store in the outskirts of Louisville, Kentucky, seemingly targeted because they were black.

"Our sages teach that a little bit of light can drive out great darkness. Together, with our brothers and sisters across communities, we will make light," said Rabbi Ari Hart of the orthodox synagogue Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob.

Hart said there appears to be a climate of rising political violence, extremism and hate. According to the Anti-Defamation League, the 57 percent rise in anti-Semitic incidents from 2016 to 2017 was the largest increase on record.

Earlier: North Shore Jewish Community Holds Vigils For Pittsburgh Shooting