SAN DIEGO, Calif. (AP) - Members and supporters of the Jewish faith used an online memorial service to celebrate the life of a woman who was killed in a California synagogue shooting a year ago.
Rabbi Mendel Goldstein of the Chabad of Poway synagogue led a taped tribute Sunday to 60-year-old Lori Gilbert-Kaye, who was killed shielding Goldstein’s father, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Police said 19-year-old nursing student John T. Earnest opened fire during a Passover service April 27, 2019. Earnest has pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder charges.
The shooting in the San Diego suburb of Poway injured three others including Goldstein’s father, Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who was shot in both hands.
The online memorial service Sunday included some of Gilbert-Kaye’s favorite songs and short speeches from her husband and a rabbi who inspired her.
A group of leaders in a movement against anti-Semitism used a separate video call Sunday to discuss the aftermath of the shooting and what they believe would help rid the world of hatred against Jewish communities.
The younger Goldstein called on the community to focus on self-improvement and faith.
“The pain is real. The loss of Lori is ever-present,” Goldstein said. “But we know our focus must be on the future, on becoming better people and better Jews.”
Sacha Dratwa of the group Combat Anti-Semitism announced 25 olive trees would be planted in Israel in memory of Gilbert-Kaye.
“The main message of this day is only together, we can win,” Dratwa said.
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