Newton To Show Solidarity After Synagogue Shooting

NEWTON, MA — Newton residents plan to show solidarity and support a Jewish community in California after a man walked into a synagogue and opened fire Saturday morning, killing one and injuring three others on the last day of Passover.

Beth Menachem Chabad synagogue is hosting a service Monday night in support of the Jewish community of Poway, California.

"Let us join together for Lori Gilbert-Kaye, who was tragically murdered, and for a prayer service for the speedy recovery of Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, Noya Dahan and Almog Peretz, and for world peace and tranquility," reads a Facebook invitation.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and Newton Police Officer Lt. Bruce Apotheker will address those who gather, according to an invitation on Facebook. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan was also set to attend.

"What can anybody say, it's unbelievable," said Apotheker who said there's no credible threats right now in Newton.

"But people always have to be vigilant. Have your eyes open and have your ears open and if something doesn't sound or seem right just give us a call," said Apothekar.

"We don't tolerate any hate in Newton," said Apotheker.

The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Beth Menachem Chabad, 349 Dedham St.

The shooting comes exactly six months after the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh when a gunman killed 11 people. It was the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in American history, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

An off-duty Border Patrol agent at the synagogue confronted the gunman, who was wielding an assault-style rifle, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. Shortly after that standoff, officers arrested the man accused of the shooting, down the road from the temple.

Read more:

Poway Synagogue Shooting: Suspect Identified As San Diego Man

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).