An online memorial service has celebrated the life of a woman who was killed in a California synagogue shooting a year ago.
Rabbi Mendel Goldstein of the Chabad of Poway synagogue led a taped tribute Sunday to 60-year-old Lori Gilbert-Kaye, who was killed shielding Goldstein’s father, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The service was held online to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
Police said 19-year-old nursing student John T. Earnest opened fire during a Passover service April 27, 2019. Earnest has pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder charges.
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The shooting in the San Diego suburb of Poway injured three others including Goldstein’s father, Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who was shot in both hands.
Sunday's service included some of Gilbert-Kaye’s favorite songs and short speeches from her husband and a rabbi who inspired her.
A group of anti-Semitism leaders held a separate video call Sunday to discuss the aftermath of the shooting and what they believe would help rid the world of hatred against Jewish communities.
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The younger Goldstein called on the community to focus on self-improvement and faith.
“The pain is real. The loss of Lori is ever-present,” Goldstein said. “But we know our focus must be on the future, on becoming better people and better Jews.”
Sacha Dratwa of the group Combat Anti-Semitism announced 25 olive trees would be planted in Israel in memory of Gilbert-Kaye.
“The main message of this day is only together, we can win,” Dratwa said.
