SAN DIEGO — In the wake of Saturday’s tragedy at Chabad of Poway, the San Diego Jewish community and its allies gathered Monday night at Poway High School to honor the victims and to stand together against anti-Semitism – and hate of all kinds.
In partnership with Poway Unified School District, the vigil was convened by the Anti-Defamation League of San Diego County, Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Family Service of San Diego and Jewish Federation of San Diego County.
Tammy Gillies, regional director of the ADL of San Diego, asked for a moment of silence for Lori Gilbert Kaye, whose funeral was earlier Monday.
When the community came together to honor the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting six months ago, thousands showed up -- and tonight's audience numbered 4,000. "It's wonderful that you're here, but I don't want to do this anymore," Gillies said. "Today it's us -- tomorrow it could be anyone.
"We should not be afraid," Gillies said. "We're coming together against hate."
Gillies praised faith leaders, law enforcement and students for their presence, saying "It means so much to the Jewish community."
County Sheriff Bill Gore said he and his fellow law enforcement colleagues see evil every day but try to find ways to bring people together.
David Nislet, San Diego Police chief, reminded the audience that "love will always overwhelm hate."
Poway Mayor Steve Vaus said he feels like his arms have grown several inches longer, trying to wrap them around his community. He said Poway loves people, regardless of their religious beliefs. He added, his city "is no place for hate -- not now, not ever."
Rabbi Yonah Fradkin, executive director of Chabad of San Diego, said the Chabad movement was founded in the United States, not long after the Holocaust ended. He added that Chabad stresses equality among faiths and humanity.
Michael Jeser, CEO of the Jewish Foundation of San Diego, said the funeral for Kaye was a phenomenal opportunity to learn about her, including her love for Chabad and acts of kindness.
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said residents were grappling with the same question: How to stop the cycle of violence.
"Well, look to your left and look to your right," Faulconer said. "It starts with us."
Faulconer said the cowardly and evil shooter was inspired by the worst of humanity, but the Poway community is inspired by the best of humanity -- like Kaye and her fellow worshippers in the Chabad temple.
"Lori stood for all that was good and stood against evil," Faulconer said. "We must live our lives as Lori lived hers."
Michael Hopkins, CEO of Jewish Family Services of San Diego, said he felt angry, heartbroken and sad about the Saturday tragedy -- but he also felt the attendees' support.
"If you're not Jewish, I want to thank you for standing with us," Hopkins said "These acts of violence are intended to scare us, but fear and intimidation will not silence our voices."
He said there's no right or wrong way to respond to tragedy, and it was important for people to accept their feelings, volunteer, take breaks from social media and take care of themselves.
Marian Kim-Phelps, Poway Unified School District superintendent, said her district features a "Stop The Hate" program, but that effort must extend beyond school and into the home and workplace.
Rev. Gerald W. Brown said that by attending the vigil, people are really standing up for love. He asked every audience member to turn to each other and say, "I love you."
Rabbi Scott Meltzer of ADL said the phrase "No Place for Hate" also applies to all people: "We're cousins, branches from the same tree."
The vigil also included music from the Twin Peaks Middle School Choir and a spirited rendition of "This Land Is Your Land." Many people wore stickers that said "No Place for Hate."
Linda Roach, an ADL volunteer, said the event was important because society "has reached a time where the negative and divisive rhetoric is manifesting violence. We need to stand up for who we are and what we believe in."
"People of all faiths should not have to live in fear of going to their house of worship. From Charleston to Pittsburgh to Oak Creek and from Christchurch to Sri Lanka, and now Poway, we need to say 'enough is enough.' Our leaders need to stand united against hate and address it both on social media and in our communities,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt in response to this horrific event.
The event was open to the public.