GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A lecture on the history of anti-Semitic violence took on renewed meaning after 11 people were gunned down at a synagogue in Pittsburgh.
Jews and Catholics sat side-by-side Sunday afternoon at Cathedral Square Center in downtown Grand Rapids for a lecture on The Hidden Holocaust, the less-reported killings of Jews in Europe.
The West Michigan religious leaders leading the prescheduled event said it's important to confront hatred and bigotry, fighting it with love.
"We have daily proof of the hatred that exists around us. Pittsburgh yesterday is one example," Albert Lewis, the rabbi emeritus of Temple Emmanuel in Grand Rapids, said.
In addition to the 11 people shot and killed during worship services at Tree of Life Synagogue, six people were injured. Authorities have said the suspect said he wanted to kill Jews.
"I felt for the families, I felt for that community, wanting to make sure there was protection in my own community," Lewis said.