Hundreds of Northern Nevadans gathered in the Temple Emanu-El to attended an event marking solidarity with Pittsburgh and the Jewish community after the attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pennsylvania.
Iris Frank, a board member at Temple Emanu-El, said that they had expected around 100 people to attend a vigil held last night, and that they had printed out over 200 handouts, with songs and prayers. She estimated over 400 people attended.
The temple filled its main room, a large secondary room, a long hall way, and the front entrance. Despite the mass of people, other than the speakers’ voices, little noise came from the large crowd
Many prominent political and religious leaders attended the event, some as attendees and others as speakers. Reno Mayor Hillary Shieve and Naomi Duerr both spoke, with Duerr being one of the event’s organizers.
Various religious leaders spoke and expressed their support for the Jewish community both here in Reno and to those suffering in Pennsylvania. They also decried the actions taken by those who wish to bring terrorism and violence into places of worship.
After the speakers had shared their thoughts and prayers, the large crowd moved outside to the front of the Temple and gathered around a Star of David. Candles were lit and a solo guitarist played music as people softly talked to one another.
As the crowd began to disperse for the evening, candles were laid upon the Star of David. The symbolism of all the attendees with their various faiths, ages, genders, and races coming together to help illuminate the Star of David was not lost on anyone.
While Reno may have a smaller Jewish community, it is clear that they have the support and love of much of the Reno community.
