There was an outpouring of support on Monday night for the local Jewish community in Belleville.
Momentum began building through the afternoon on social media for an unofficial gathering at Market Square at 7 pm in support of the Sons of Jacob Synagogue congregation, following the shooting in and around the building in east end Belleville 24 hours before.
A huge crowd of more than 150 showed up to show their support, pause and reflect and try to help the community start the healing process.
President of the Sons of Jacob Congregation Norm Weddum addressed the crowd and said the message was simple, “This will not stop us. We will soon gather to worship again and conduct programs.”
He said the outpouring of support from the community was very touching. He says he believes he spoke to every person who attended last night’s event and everyone was very supportive.
Some members of the Sons of Jacob Congregation attended the event at Market Square while Weddum says others (who wanted to remain more private and weren’t keen on crowds) completed their Yom Kippur services at a local hotel room they rented in the city.
