Jewish leaders in Rochester continue to react to the shooting Saturday at the Chabad of Poway synagogue that took place near San Diego that left one woman dead and injuring three others.
It happened exactly six months to the day of the Tree of life shooting in Pittsburgh that took 11 lives.
Members of the Jewish faith were concluding the Passover holiday on Saturday.
The CEO for the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, Meredith Dragon, said that news of the recent shooting, came during a special time for the Jewish community, and acknowledges the effects of hate crimes on all religious groups.
“Passover is really a holiday that celebrates our freedom. And I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact that, in our place of worship…wherever they are, that’s obviously a place where we should feel free to worship and be who we are. And there been an attack and assault on those places of worship,” Dragon said.
She said that it is important that the interfaith community work together in order to fight against anti-Semitism.
“Regardless of our race, ethnicity, or religion we can stand up and take a stand against hatred and all of its horrible forms.”
Dragon says leaders of the faith communities in Rochester have already reached out to show their support.
On Sunday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said that as a precaution, he has directed State Police to increase their security presence at synagogues and houses of worship across the state.