NoVA Jewish Community Center Responds To Pittsburgh Shooting

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The local Jewish center had also been the target of a hate crime in October.

ANNANDALE, VA—The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia knows what it's like to be the victim of hate. Earlier in October, JCC was vandalized with numerous swastika. Now they're mourning the 11 lives lost at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, potentially the deadliest attack on Jewish people in the U.S.

In a statement released Sunday, JCC Executive Director Jeff Dannick and board President David Yaffe called the shooting an "evil attack."

"Words seem insufficient to convey our profound pain at the murderous act of killing innocent people who were worshiping with their community on Shabbat," reads the statement. "We stand together with the Pittsburgh Jewish community as we mourn the loss of 11 innocent lives and the innocence of those traumatized by this vile act."

The NoVA Jewish center will join an interfaith gathering in DC to mourn the victims on Monday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The event is being held at Adas Israel Congregation, 2850 Quebec Street, NW, Washington, DC. Event organizers recommend traveling to the Cleveland Park Metro, as there will be no parking. An RSVP is requested here.

Speakers will include Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. You can also watch the service live at adasisrael.org/serviceforpittsburgh.

The JCC has security measures in place and asks the community to remain "alert and vigilant." Fairfax County Police reminded residents in light of recent events to report suspicious activity.

For non-emergencies, call 703-691-2131, or utilize the new iWatchNOVA app or website. For emergencies, call 911. The county has more tips on responding to suspicious activity here.

Coverage from Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre: Victims Suffered Multiple Wounds

Read the full JCC statement below.


People hold candles as they gather for a vigil in the aftermath of a deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation, in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)