Students hold vigil for victims of Pittsburgh synagogue shooting

More than 250 people attended a candlelight vigil October 29 to remember the victims of the shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. 

The vigil was held at the carillon tower on the Allendale Campus and was hosted by students from two Jewish campus organizations, Grand Valley Hillel Chapter and Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity. 

Allison Egrin, president of Hillel, told the crowd it is hard to describe the heaviness she felt in her heart when she heard of the shooting. Egrin, who teaches Sunday school at Temple Emanuel in Grand Rapids, said half of the third and fourth graders in her class were absent.

"How do you explain anti-Semitism to innocent children?" Egrin asked. "I told them to be proud of their heritage, to have pride in who they are, and to love their neighbor and fill the world with love."

Egrin said she is overwhelmed by the support she has received from fellow students, the Grand Valley administration and campus community.

Morgan Mattler, president of Alpha Epsilon Pi, said his heart was shattered at the news of the shooting. "It shook me to the core," Mattler said, "but, I take comfort in knowing it is not just the Jewish community weeping. I see the togetherness in our Grand Valley community. We must stand together against all forms of hate."

President Thomas J. Haas called the shooting "an attack on our values as a people and a nation."

"I am so very proud of our students; you bring a wealth to us by your words and actions," Haas said. "The Jewish community is an example of the importance of faith and family. Together, we have the power to make change." 

Loren Rullman, dean of students, thanked students for coming together to show love and compassion. "Grand Valley can be that light and better place; we can be the example that is needed," he said.

Candles were lit during the ceremony and a moment of silence was held to remember the 11 victims and their families.

Rabbi Michael Schadick from Temple Emanuel closed the vigil with two Jewish prayers.

Earlier in the day, a community space for dialogue and support was held at Grand Valley's Office of Multicultural Affairs.