Boston Responds To Pittsburgh Synagogue Attack

BOSTON, MA — After a gunman opened fire at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh Saturday, killing 11 and injuring at least six others, towns and cities across the country are showing their solidarity, and stepping up security at synagogues, including in Boston.

Sunday hundreds gathered on the Boston Common to remember those who were lost in the attack and to call for an end to antisemitism and hate.

"Boston stands with the Tree of Life Synagogue, Jewish Community and The City of Pittsburgh," Mayor Marty Walsh said as he joined the governor, politicians and religious leaders on the bandstand at the Boston Common as members and supporters of the Jewish community Sunday afternoon attended a vigil in remembrance of the lives lost in Pittsburgh to antisemitic violence. "We're also standing here today to fight back on what's happening," he said from the bandstand on the Common.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley also spoke, praising collaboration of Jewish and Catholic Communities to help immigrants; "To think the congregation was targeted because of their openness to receive a stranger which is a Biblical command that we all should embrace," he told the crowd.

The Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center's Shaykh Yasir Fahmy called the people who died in the attack victims of the “disease” of racism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia.

The vigil, put together by the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Anti-Defamation League of New England and Combined Jewish Philanthropies, included speakers from Congressman Joe Kennedy to Attorney General Maura Healey to religious leaders and a college student living in Boston who is a member of Tree of Life.

Boston police announced they are planning to join New York City police and add patrols to Boston synagogues.

"In light of the tragic events at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, BPD has increased outreach and patrols in and around synagogues in the city," said Boston Police spokesperson James Kenneally in a statement.

"While there are no credible threats targeting similar religious institutions in Boston, BPD reminds community members to remain vigilant while the Boston Regional Intelligence Center continues to closely monitor the situation while sharing information with law enforcement agencies on both the federal, state and local levels," he said.

The Anti-Defamation League described the attack Saturday as probably "the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States."

As a mark of respect for the victims of the act of violence Gov. Charlie Baker ordered flags lowered to half-staff beginning immediately until sunset, Wednesday, Oct. 31.

"I am horrified by the mass shooting in Pittsburgh, and my thoughts are with the victims, their families and the first responders. We must work together to overcome this evil and violence," he said.

Read more: Pittsburgh Synagogue Attack: Victims To Be Identified

Photo courtesy Mayor Walsh via Twitter