People from different walks of life from the Windsor area attended a solemn vigil in memory of the precious Jewish lives lost in Pittsburgh this past weekend.
Temple Beth El was packed Tuesday night with those remembering and praying for the 11 people shot to death at the Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday.
Jay Katz, the executive director of the Windsor Jewish Federation and Community Centre, said it was very important to come together to denounce anti-semitism and hate.
"I think it's very helpful for all of us to come together, not just against anti-semitism but against hate. I think it's very important, not just for the Jewish community but our entire community to say we don't stand for this, this is wrong," said Katz.
The service started with 11 candles lighted, one for each of the victims, as their names were read aloud.
Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick spoke at the vigil. The Catholic, Anglican, United and Islamic faiths were all at the vigil to support the Jewish faith.
Katz said the last couple of days have been very tough for everyone and their hearts go out to the victims and their families.
"They're very numbing for everyone. I think this is very horrible to try and absorb and understand and experience. I think, not just Jews but everyone, I think we feel it to our core," he added.
Katz said Windsor is a tight-knit and caring community and the fact that there were so many different cultures at the vigil speaks volumes about our city.
"Windsor is a cohesive and warm and welcoming and caring community. We know here that the vast majority of us do not indulge in hate and do not believe in it and that we support one another," Katz said.