(JTA) — A crowdfunding campaign established to help the victims of an attack on a Chabad synagogue near San Diego, California, has raised more than $18,000 in its first 10 hours.
More than 600 people donated nearly $32,000 toward a goal of $50,000 on GoFundMe, with many donations ranging from $10 to $36.
The goal was later increased to $118,000, with over $52,000 raised by over 1,000 people in 18 hours.
The donations will “be used to pay for any necessary medical operations for the victims, funeral services, synagogue reparations or anything else the synagogue would need assistance with,” wrote the person who set up the page, Cam N, who identified himself or herself.
“I do not worship at the Chabad of Poway, but I belong to another house of worship and seeing a place of prayer attacked horrified me and motivated me to start this campaign,” Cam N wrote.
Meanwhile, about 900 people from several faiths — among them Jews, Christians and Muslims – gathered at the nearby Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church on Saturday evening for an interfaith vigil in response to the shooting.
At the end of the brief service inside, the crowd moved to the church’s courtyard for a candlelight vigil, where they sang “This Little Light of Mine” and the civil rights-era song “We shall Overcome,” the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Many in the crowd cried quietly.
Others gathered at sunset, the end of the Passover holiday, outside the synagogue with flowers, candles and notes to express their shock and grief, according to the report.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
