A 7 p.m. interfaith service at Temple Emanu-El Friday night pays tribute to those lost in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting last weekend. (Courtesy photograph)
City leaders including Mayor James J. Fiorentini are set to pay tribute to the 11 killed and six injured in Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue shooting during a peace service Friday night.
At Temple Emanu-El’s annual peace Shabbat service led by Temple youth, traditional songs and readings will accompany the remembrance by interfaith leaders and elected officials. The 7 p.m. ceremony at 514 Main St. is open to community members of all religions.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the interfaith community to come together and support one another in light of the terrible attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh,” Fiorentini said.
Federal prosecutors are said to be pursuing the death penalty for 46-year-old Robert Bowers, who entered the Pennsylvania synagogue Oct. 27 armed with an assault rifle and handguns. Bowers surrendered after exchanging gunfire with police. The hate crime is now considered the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history.