MORGANTOWN — “This event is a sobering wake-up call that cannot be sugar-coated,” said Bob Danenberg, a member of the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh.
Students and community members gathered in front of Woodburn Hall on Oct. 22 for a candlelight vigil in memory of the 11 people who were murdered over the weekend in Squirrel Hill, Pa. Six others were injured in the shooting at the synagogue Saturday.
The suspected shooter, Robert Bowers, expressed his hatred toward Jews to police officers and on social media prior to the shooting. He faces hate crime charges.
Danenberg and his wife, Judy, spoke in front of the crowd in Morgantown, talking about their love for their neighborhood, their family and their congregation. Danenberg said he and his wife knew several of the people killed, either personally or in passing.
“The events of these past two days have made us very sad and have hit home in a number of ways,” he said. Danenberg said people must resist, overcome and stand up against the flame of hate, bigotry and anti-semitic actions.
“We need to protect peace, freedom and liberties. We can never let hatred be the victor,” he said.
Among other speakers were Faith Burman, of Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center, and Julie Cohen, a psychology major who is also with the Jewish Student Union. Rohr Chabad Jewish Student Center was one of the organizations that put together the vigil Monday night.
On behalf of WVU President Gordan Gee and Provost Joyce McConnell, Meshea Poore, vice president for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, also spoke a few words. Both Gee and McConnell were out of town Monday, but wanted the student body to know they were in support of the school and the community.
“When I look at light I do look at love, and what we were doing, we’re sharing love and support. And I know that all of us are in a place of mourning and that we have to take the appropriate time to heal, and it’s gonna be some time,” Poore said.
She implored the crowd to be “unapologetically you.” She said it was crucially important to stand strong together.
“I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, I send my condolences to you. That I am mourning alongside you, as are the executive leadership team members, and that we are here and love, and will continue to encourage that everyone has an opportunity to excel the way they need to on this campus and throughout this community,” Poore said.
Though tragedy brought the crowd together Monday, a recurring reminder came from many speakers to do good deeds, and be kind to one another. Judy Danenberg spoke briefly, imploring them to hug their loved ones, and thanking them for their solidarity.
“Spread good. Spread love. Spread joy, not the message of hate,” she said.
