Thousands of people gathered Monday night at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Des Moines for a vigil for the 11 people killed at a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania synagogue Saturday.
Jews were joined by Christians, Muslims, and even Sihks to hear powerful messages from both Jewish clergy and Christians on the need to overcome anti-Semitism. Rabbi Emily Barton of Tifereth Israel told the crowd that "we as a country are doing a terrible job of listening to each other...and that needs to stop."
Rev. Matt Hargis LeCroy is the Senior Minister at Plymouth Church in Des Moines. He urged the audience to "refuse to be comforted until something starts to change."
The audience at Tifereth Israel flowed over into the outside of the worship area. People of all ages and religions, including some prominent civic leaders, took part Monday evening.