KAILUA-KONA — West Hawaii’s Jewish community has invited all to mourn with them the death of 11 people killed in a synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The congregation of Kona Beth Shalom will host an interfaith ceremony Thursday evening to honor the memory of the victims.
The shooting occurred Saturday when a gunman entered the Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood and opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony. The fatal assault also injured six people, which included four police officers.
“This is an opportunity for the West Hawaii Jewish community to grieve and for our neighbors to express their solidarity, uniting to raise our voices against hatred and violence,” leaders of Kona Beth Shalom stated Tuesday.
Thursday’s service will include the offering of Kaddish, a prayer for the deceased. Leaders of the congregation say area churches and temples have been invited to offer remarks.
The memorial service will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Hawaiian Coffee Garden, located at 75-1048 Henry St., in Kailua-Kona.