Winnipeggers pack synagogue for vigil to honour Pittsburgh shooting victims

Hundreds of people, many standing shoulder to shoulder, gathered inside the sanctuary at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue in Winnipeg Tuesday night for a vigil to remember those killed and injured in the mass shooting in Pittsburgh.

Eleven people were killed and several injured, including police officers, when a gunman stormed the Tree of Life Congregation on Saturday or theShabbat the Jewish day ofrest often spent with family.

Tree of Life worshippers were taking part inababy-naming ceremony when the horror unfolded.

"We just want to show our solidarity with the people in Pittsburgh and the horrendous situation that they went through," saidLaurelMalkin, president of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.

The suspect in Saturday's shooting is a 46-year-old who frequently posts anti-Semitic messages and slurs on social media.

"Unfortunately, as members of the Jewish community, we always have to be vigilant," said Malkin. "Anti-Semitism is on the rise. We've had it in the past, obviously it continues."

'We will continue to live our lives'

Winnipeggerspacked every row at ShaareyZedekSynagogue on Tuesday to remember the lives lost.

As part of the vigil, 11 candles were lit to honour the dead. Students from Brock Corydon School sang the Canadian anthem andGray Academy of Jewish Education students sang the Israeli anthem, prayers were spokenand ashofar was sounded.

Attendeesincluded members of Winnipeg's Christian and Muslim communitiesand dignitaries Mayor Brian Bowman, Families Minister Heather Stefanson, Opposition Leader Wab Kinew, Member of Parliament Jim Carr, as well as Winnipeg Police Service Chief Danny Smyth.

"I think it's important that we're all united," said Smyth.

Members of Winnipeg police were both inside and on guard outside the synagogue during Tuesday's service. While there is noimmediateknown threat to the Jewish community in the city,Smythsaid the service remains in contact with rabbis across Winnipeg, should any concerns arise.

Simon Blaikie, parish priest of St. George's Anglican Church, called Saturday's shooting a "travesty."

"Everyone suffers the same way and to see people suffer this way, if it does not draw us together, than nothing ever will," Blaikie said. "We gather here this evening to share our common humanity and our distaste for the repugnant in life."

Winnipeg's Jewish community will remain vigilantbut is determined to continue to live and worship in the open, inthe face of hatred, said Malkin.

"We won't let anybody stop us. We'll be proud Jews. Proud Canadians. And we will continue to live our lives."

The vigil was one of several across Canada to honour the victims in Pittsburgh. Communities also gathered in Vancouver, Ottawa, Torontoand Montreal.