A message of unity and love

KAILUA-KONA — The sun slowly set as several members of the West Hawaii community gathered in Kona to mourn victims of the shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue.

Hawaiian Queen Coffee Gardens was packed Thursday evening with people of all ages and religions. More than 100 people came to pray and show support to Kona’s Jewish community as everyone tried to cope with Saturday’s violent attack.

“We really appreciate your solidarity and support,” said Una Greenaway, president of Kona Beth Shalom, as she welcomed the crowd.

The attack on Tree of Life Congregation in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood in Pittsburgh occurred during Saturday service. A gunman armed with a Colt AR-15 semiautomatic rifle and three Glock .357 handguns opened fire, killing 11 worshipers. The 20-minute attack also left six people injured, including four police officers.

The Associated Press has reported the attack at the synagogue is one of the deadliest attacks on Jews in U.S. history. The suspect, who had no apparent criminal record, expressed virulently anti-Semitic views on social media, including posting images of a fiery oven like those used in Nazi concentration camps to cremate Jews in World War II.

Thursday’s service started with remarks from Rev. Danny Akaka. He spoke about the meaning of aloha and the connections shared with two people. He also presented a maile lei, representing the bringing together of those who have been separated.

“Put your aloha into the lei,” Akaka said as the maile was passed to each person in the room.

Short biographies of the victims were read and a memorial candle was lit. Two additional candles were lit for the victims in a grocery store shooting in Kentucky just two days before the synagogue shooting.

Other religious leaders also spoke at the service.

“An attack on one religious community is an attack on all religious communities,” said pastor Chuck Frumin of Kona Family Church. “It’s an attack on humankind.”

Frumin added people hate because of ignorance. “But we are all God’s children.”

The prayer for healing was sung along with the Mourner’s Kaddish. Afterward, Greenaway invited anyone from the audience who felt moved to say a few words.

Goldie Leftkowitz, a Holocaust survivor, spoke up.

Being a public speaker, she said she was concerned about continuing to do her talks.

“I’ve had a few sleepless nights not knowing what’s in store for me,” she said as recalled after first learning about the shooting. “I decided I’m gonna keep doing what I’m doing as long as I can.”

Despite her nerves, Shery Henderson decided to get up and speak to the group.

“I feel like I need to apologize on behalf of Christians,” she said. “I hope this event, as horrible as it is, can bring healing and unity to our nation.”

After the service, Henderson added she was ashamed something like this happened in this country.

“I pray for unity,” she said. “We’re a house divided. We need love and mercy.”

As people filtered out of the building, Greenaway said, it was important to have a memorial because it brought the community together.

“It was very comforting to see this many people come to pay their respects,” she said.

With the memorial service over, those at the event believe there are ways to fight hate and honor the memory of the people who died.

“Do acts of kindness, stand up for what’s right,” said Vivienne Aronowitz, past president of Kona Beth Shalom. “Each of us has the power to do that, to promote positivity. Every one of us counts.”