Security Increased At Ohio Synagogues Following Pittsburgh Attack

BEACHWOOD, OH — Messages of solidarity and promises of vigilant security flowed from around the Jewish community in Ohio following Saturday's attack at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.

At least eleven people were killed when a gunman opened fire inside the Squirrel Hill neighborhood synagogue, and the attack has been called "the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States" by the Anti-Defamation League.

Three major Jewish federations in Ohio — in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus — have all issued statements on Saturday's shootings. Each have promised increased security patrols in their regions.

"While we have no reason to believe there is any particular local threat, we are monitoring the unfolding situation carefully and our security team at SAFE Cincinnati is working closely with law enforcement to add patrols," the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati said.

The Jewish Federation of Columbus said it was appalled by Saturday's attack, and will be working with local law enforcement to increase security patrols at synagogues. The organization also promised to support its neighbors in Pittsburgh in whatever way possible.

"We are heartbroken by the news of today’s senseless act of violence at The Tree of Life Synagogue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are suffering in the Pittsburgh Jewish community and throughout the entire City of Pittsburgh," the Jewish Federation of Cleveland said on social media on Saturday. "We thank the first responders who arrived on the scene for their bravery and service. Cleveland stands with our neighbors in Pittsburgh during this tragedy."

Northeast Ohio Police, Temples Step-Up

Beachwood Police Chief Gary Haba promised there would be an increased police presence at local synagogues and at Jewish institutions, like the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. He told Patch the increased patrols would last for at least the next few days.

The Temple-Tifereth Israel also said it has been working with local police, including Haba's department, to ensure the safety of its congregants.

"Please know that the Temple has been in touch with our local law enforcement authorities and our partners in the Jewish community, that our security personnel have been properly briefed, and that we are in the process of taking additional security measures as a consequence of this event," the Temple said on social media. "At this time, there are no indications that our Temple community is under increased threat or risk. Our activities will proceed according to plan. We must and will continue to pray, learn, and celebrate Jewish life. We thank you for your support and understanding and will continue to update you on this unfolding situation and its implications."

Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple said: "Our community is horrified over the massacre of a peaceful Shabbat service yesterday in Pittsburgh. We extend sympathies and loving kindness to families who’ve lost loved ones and will act on our existing security plans and strengthen steps to build a world rid of hatred and violence such as the people at Tree of Life synagogue experienced yesterday."

Even Cleveland's sister city in Israel —Beit Shean and the Valley of the Springs — posted photos on social media saying they were "Standing with Pittsburgh." Those images were then shared by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

Details on the Victims, How To Help

The lone shooter has been identified as Robert Bowers, Patch's Dan Hampton reported. He began his attack at about 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, armed with an AR-15 and three Glock handguns. He reportedly killed 11 congregants in the synagogue, wounded six other congregants, and wounded four police officers.

Dr. Karl Williams, chief medical examiner of Allegheny County, identified the victims at a press conference Sunday as: Joyce Fienberg, 75, of Oakland; Richard Gottfried, 65, of Ross Township; Rose Mallinger, 97, of Squirrel Hill; Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, of Edgewood Borough, Cecil Rosenthal, 59, of Squirrel Hill and his 54-year-old brother David, also of Squirrel Hill; Bernice Simon, 84, of Wilkinsburg, and her 86-year-old husband Sylvan; Daniel Stein, 71, of Squirrel Hill; Melvin Wax, 88, of Squirrel Hill; and Irving Younger, 69, of Mt. Washington.

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to raise funds for the congregation.

For Patch's continuing coverage on the Tree of Life attack, click here.

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Patch reporters Eric Heyl, Feroze Dhanoa and Dan Hampton contributed to this report.

People gather for a interfaith candlelight vigil a few blocks away from the site of a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue on October 27, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to reports, at least 12 people were shot, 4 dead and three police officers hurt during the incident. The shooter surrendered to authorities and was taken into custody. (Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)