Atlanta Jewish community shaken by Pittsburgh synagogue shooting

ATLANTA — Members of the metro Atlanta Jewish community are on edge after a man walked into a synagogue in Pittsburgh and opened fire, killing at least 11.

Atlanta police said Saturday they are stepping up patrols at synagogues and community centers across the city. While police say they have not received any threats here in Atlanta, several local residents have personal ties to the tragedy.

Several people who have ties to the Tree of Life congregation reached out to Channel 2 Action News Saturday in the hours after the shooting. Atlanta is home to more than 125,000 Jews and this tight-knit community has deep ties to just about every other Jewish community in the country.

Channel 2's Michael Seiden talked to one man in East Cobb who grew up in the synagogue where the shooting happened and still has friends in the temple. Bobby Harris said Saturday night that he was still trying to confirm if any of his friends or relatives were among the victims.

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"We are all in touch trying to make sure everyone is safe," Harris said. "And I'm trying to figure out if I know anybody (who was a victim)."

Harris remembers attending Shabbat services and celebrating Jewish milestones with family and friends at Tree of Life. He showed Seiden pictures of his bar Mitzvah.

"That's a place I learned so much about the world. So much about myself and my religion," Harris said. "I'm angry and I'm hurt and I just want to be with my people there," Harris said.

Seiden also spoke to local Rabbi Spike Anderson with Sandy Springs Temple Emanu-el.

"There are no words that are appropriate," Anderson said. "I feel like I got kicked in the gut."

Anderson said he spent the day talking with many members of his congregation who now find themselves concerned about their own safety.

“For years now, there’s always been security here anytime the building is open. Some seen and some not seen," Anderson said. “I think we will re-examine what we’ve been doing and make sure our T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted.”

Congregant Lauren Menis said the Jewish community is leaning on each other to get through the senseless tragedy.

"We're talking," Menis said. "We're consoling each other a bit. We will not be afraid and we are going to stand up to this."

The Jewish Federation of Atlanta issued a statement earlier Saturday assuring heightened security across the city.

"We are deeply distressed and saddened by the breaking news about the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. In light of this morning's situation, security has already been heightened in the Atlanta community," the statement said.

“Our hearts are with the Pittsburgh community,” said the statement signed by Mark Silberman, chair of the Atlanta federation’s board.

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta — which sent a letter to members last spring seeking donations for additional security — said in a post on Twitter: "Our thoughts are with the Jewish community and the law enforcement officers in Pittsburgh. As ever, our main priority is the safety and security of our members, staff, and guests. We remain steadfastly committed to your safety."

Cox Media Group