Chattanooga Jewish community holds vigil in wake of Pittsburgh synagogue shooting

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It was an all faith community vigil that had many people at the Jewish Cultural Center in Chattanooga Monday night.

As people walked inside for the event they stopped to write a message of support for Pittsburgh after a shooting at a Jewish synagogue that killed 11 people.

“I think this is a terrible situation,” 11-year-old Ari Sloan said. “I mean innocent people were killed just because they were Jewish. I mean, like, in this day in age we shouldn’t be like that, at all.”

Sloan came to the vigil with his family.

The incident resonates greatly with them.

His mother, Traci Sloan, said a friend of theirs was in Pittsburgh visiting with friends and family and almost attended the same synagogue the day it was attacked.

“She posted on Facebook that, that was her synagogue and they just decided not to go. It really hit home that it’s somebody that we know that could’ve been there,” Traci said.

As the vigil got underway, the center became so packed with people that not everyone could fit inside.

Many people stood outside.

There were speakers outside so people could still hear a message of remembrance for the victims and a call to stand against hate.

Several people spoke at the event, and there was music.

Eleven candles were also lit to remember the victims.

One for each victim.

A twelfth candle was lit for the emergency responders.

Those who attended the event hope the vigil will start the healing process and promote peace.

“Things have got to change. If we’re to get a long in this world, things have got to change. And, why not now,” Karen Hinkes said.