Vigil at the Westwood Federal Building in Solidarity with Pittsburgh Synagogue Victims

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti headlined a rally at the Federal Building in Westwood, to protest the violence that unfolded Saturday morning at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. And the person most of the Democratic speakers blamed, needless to say, was--well, you can probably guess.

The vigil which was organized in 24 hours, stood up against anti semitism and hate. Garcetti, Jewish himself, read the names and ages of all 11 victims, which included at least one holocaust survivor (he was 97).

The Mayor was overcome with tears as he said "Seeing a holocaust survivor die here in the US, says to us all that it's time to speak up." Flags were flown at half staff. "I wish I was shocked, but we need to fight the same fight that my parents did in the 50's and 60's" said one woman.

"A broad coalition of Los Angeles based organizations and congregations holds space for healing and togetherness in the wake of the events at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. With support from various interfaith partners this vigil will create safe space for the larger Jewish community and honor the victims of the shooting. As a group of hundreds of LA Jews, we will ask: How can we make sure this never happens again?"

Attendees included "A growing list of diverse Jewish communities, temples, leaders, and partner organizations that have never connected as one before. Including: Bend the Arc, IKAR, RAC-CA, IfNotNow, Temple Isaiah, CLUE, Leo Baeke Temple, ADL, Women's March LA, and Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) with Mayor Garcetti, LA Jewish elected officials, The LA Voice, and others!"