Vigil held in Vancouver for victims of Pittsburgh synagogue attack

A community memorial was held in Vancouver on Sunday to commemorate the victims of the Pittsburghsynagogue shooting.

The memorial took place at the Wosk Auditorium at the Jewish Community Centre there weren't enough seats for the large crowd of people who came.

They were there to honour the 11 people were killed and six injured when a gunman opened fire at a baby naming ceremony at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighbourhood Saturday. Six more people were injured.

Police said a suspect,46-year-old Robert Bowers, was in custody after the attack. The gunmanshouted "All Jews must die" when he stormed the synagogue, according to local media and authorities.

Vancouver rabbi Jonathan Infeld led the Vancouver vigil. Infeldgrew up in Pittsburgh. One of the victims was a family friend.

"My family is very much dealing with the tragedy as itunfolded," Infeldsaid.

Eleven candles were lit as the names of each victim was read out loud, followed by a prayer.

Infeld says the tragedy has rippled through the community, but it hasalso brought people together, from different faiths, to rally against hate.

"We need to dial back the words of hate in general across North America, and really try to focus on peace and the love of others and acceptance of others for who they are," he said.

Jewish communities across Canada gatheredfor memorial demonstrations.Vigils took place at Montreal's Holocaust museum, at the Human Rights Monument in Ottawa and at Montreal's Beth Israel Beth Aaron synagogue.

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With files from Jon Hernandez, Bridgette Watson and The Canadian Press