New Yorkers, Nation Mourn Victims Of Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – New Yorkers are joining the nation in mourning the victims of Pittsburgh's synagogue massacre.
The NYPD will have stepped up security at synagogues and other places of worship across the city for the next several days.
CBS2's Janelle Burrell spoke with people during nursery school drop-off Monday at Temple Emanu-El on the Upper East Side.
"The tragedy that happened in Pittsburgh resonates with everyone," Cara Glickman said. "We're very grateful for the support of the NYPD and the city at what is a very difficult time and sad time for everyone."
Watch: CBS2's Tony Aiello Reports From Pittsburgh
Also on Fifth Avenue is HIAS, a Jewish refugee resettlement agency that was the target of some of the suspect's rants on social media.
"It's no fault of the Pittsburgh Police Department or any law enforcement out there," said NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill. "It is just a guy that operates under the radar."
In an interview Monday, the police commissioner also reiterated the department's policy of having its officers armed while in New York City – whether they are on duty or not.
"We get paid to fight crime and keep people safe, and carrying a firearm is part of that," he said.
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On Sunday night, a standing room-only crowd packed the Congregation Ansche Chesed on the Upper West Side, angered and shaken by the tragedy hundreds of miles away.
"That they should be butchered, killed in such a horrible way, there are no words," said Rabbi Adam Mintz, of Kehilat Rayim Ahuvim synagogue.
An overflow group of mourners also gathered outside the interfaith vigil organized by rabbis across the city. It was just one of many vigils Sunday in the Tri-State Area honoring the victims.
"If hatemongers thought that they were going to separate us from one another, they were greatly mistaken," said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis.
Politicians and religious leaders showed their solidarity, as well, reiterating the theme of unity and inclusion.
"In this city, we get along, we love one another," Timothy Cardinal Dolan said.
"We are a place for everyone," Mayor Bill de Blasio added.
The Anti-Defamation League says the number of anti-Semitic incidents nationwide was up 57 percent compared to 2016 – that's the biggest spike since 1979.
"With the rise of anti-Semitism, we know that other minority groups are feeling the same pressures as the Jewish community," said Evan Berstein with the ADL of New York and New Jersey.
Many attending the vigils had some connection to the 11 people killed and vowed to make sure their memories are not forgotten.
"They died because they were Jews, because they clung to Jewish values at a time when values are adrift," Elisha Wiesel said.
"You can imagine yesterday they were in synagogue and today this rabbi officiated three funerals," added Mintz.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy have both ordered their states' flags to be flown at half staff in honor of the victims.
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