Penn State Chabad, Hillel to Hold Vigil for Victims of Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting

Penn State’s Chabad and Hillel will host a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. Monday in front of Old Main to honor those killed at a Pittsburgh synagogue Saturday morning.

“We are heartbroken by the horrific attack that took place on our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh,” the organizations said in a statement. “As they stood in prayer and celebrated a new life entering into our world, eleven lives were suddenly taken from us.”

The vigil will honor the 11 victims who were killed and six who were injured by a gunman at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, a Pittsburgh neighborhood. Those who died in the shooting ranged in age from 54 to 97.

“We will honor the memory of those who have passed by taking on another Mitzvah, increasing in acts of goodness and kindness, and trying to make our world a little brighter,” the organizations said. “In the strength of our collective mitzvot, may we each find and share comfort and peace at this extraordinarily challenging time.”

Chabad and Hillel are encouraging students to pledge to do a good deed in memory of those who passed away.

“They were murdered by hatred. They will be remembered with love.”