Jewish Leaders Respond To Shooting, Decry Hateful Rhetoric

PITTSBURGH, PA — "It starts with speech," said Rabbi Jeffrey Myers in a message to lawmakers and politicians at a Sunday night vigil held for the 11 people massacred Saturday at a Pittsburgh synagogue. “It has to start with you as our leaders. My words are not intended as political fodder. I address all equally. Stop the words of hate.”

Myers recited the 23rd Psalm, "The lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," he said. "Well, God, I want! What I want, you can't give me. You can't return these 11 beautiful souls. You can't rewind the clock," the rabbi said.

He continued, describing the how people all over the world are reaching out to him offering support. "My texts, my emails, my Facebook, overflow with love from strangers ... My cup overflows."

"We won't let hate beat us down. Well, how do you stop it?" Myers asked. "We don't have to follow the 'prone to evil' path. We can also be prone to good." The interfaith vigil had a positive and hopeful tone.

While some Jewish leaders are calling for a change in rhetoric, Bend the Arc, a progressive self-described Jewish resistance group, published a letter flatly accusing Trump of influencing the attack. "You yourself called the murderer evil, but yesterday’s violence is the direct culmination of your influence," the open letter said.

The group said the president is "not welcome" in Pittsburgh until he fully denounces white nationalism, stops targeting and endangering all minorities, and other demands.

Trump is set to visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday, according to an NPR report.

"The Fake News is doing everything in their power to blame Republicans, Conservatives and me for the division and hatred that has been going on for so long in our Country," the president tweeted hours after the vigil. "Actually, it is their Fake & Dishonest reporting which is causing problems far greater than they understand!"

Beyond the blaming and mourning, some of the people most heavily affected by the massacre are looking forward. "Seven of my congregates were shot dead in my sanctuary. My holy place has been defiled," Myers said, pausing. "We will rebuild."

See the full vigil below, posted by the Washington Post:

Article image: Rabbi Jeffrey Myers speaking at Sunday's vigil | screenshot via Washington Post YouTube