Westmoreland community remembers lives lost in Tree of Life synagogue shooting

Members of Westmoreland County gathered on Monday, Oct. 29 to remember the 11 lives lost in the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pa. last Saturday.

The candlelight vigil was hosted by the Westmoreland County Diversity Coalition and Voice of Westmoreland. Voice of Westmoreland estimates that more than 500 community members attended the vigil.

Opening remarks were given by Carlotta Paige and Rabbi Sara Perman, co-founders of the Westmoreland County Diversity Coalition, along with Sheila Confer, president of the board of directors of the Blackburn Center. Throughout the evening, representatives from the Blackburn Center were present to provide counseling.

Sister Barbara Einloth and Sister Mary Norbert Long of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill were among the community members who spoke at the vigil. Music was provided by the groups Heavenly Biscuits, Garment of Praise and Tupelo and Noah.

Voice of Westmoreland also collected donations throughout the evening for the Congregation Emanu-El Israel Synagogue Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, which “provides assistance to individuals and/or organizations in need.”

Photos by Haley Carnahan, Setonian Co-Editor-in-Chief.

Published By: Paige Parise

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