Mississippi Jews, Christians and Muslims are coming together in solidarity following a deadly shooting at a synagogue in Pennsylvania. MPB's Ezra Wall reports.
Religious leaders in Mississippi are striking a preemptive blow against the kind of violent anti-Semitism that took the lives of eleven worshipers at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Anti-Defamation League calls the shooting during Sabbath services on Saturday the deadliest anti-Jewish attack in U.S. history. At an interfaith gathering at Jackson's Beth Israel Congregation, Rabbi Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner says he's encouraged by the support they've received from Mississippians of all faiths.
"I think it's the words and expressions of support that make a difference right now. We don't have physical needs," says Kurtz-Lendner. "You know, we have our buildling; no one here was injured physically. But really, just the expressions of love and support go a long way."
Bishop Ronnie Crudup is Senior Pastor of New Horizon Church International in Jackson. He warns against such violence in Mississippi.
"You won't just come after this congregation, but you're going to come after all of us, because we stand together," says Crudup. "Did you hear me? We stand together."
Monday's gathering included prayers from Jews, Christians and Muslims. It was sponsored by the group, Working Together Jackson.
