Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who survived the synagogue mass shooting, said he is grateful to God and thanked law enforcement after the gunman, Robert Bowers, was convicted on federal charges Friday.
“I am grateful to God for getting us to this day. And I am thankful for the law enforcement who ran into danger to rescue me, and the U.S. Attorney who stood up in court to defend my right to pray,” Myers said in a statement following the guilty verdict.
He added, “Today I’m focused on being with my congregation and praying, singing and clapping in praise of God as we do each Shabbat. In the face of the horror of our community has experienced, I can think of no better response than practicing my Jewish faith and leading worship.”
Carole Zawatsky, CEO of Tree of Life, offered words of support for survivors and the families of the victims in a statement with other congregational leaders. She said that while the guilty verdict cannot bring loved ones back, she hopes it brings some comfort.
“Let us, this day, reaffirm our resolve to bring light into our world and keep the memory of each of the victims in our hearts as we do the work of Tikkun HaOlam, repairing our broken world,” Zawatsky said in the statement.
Alan Hausman, president of the Tree of Life Congregation, thanked law enforcement and other people who helped in the aftermath of the shooting.
“The way our community and people of all faiths came together after October 27, 2018, has helped me and continues to inspire me and give me strength as we move forward,” he said in the statement.
