Regina rabbi says hate must be combated with kindness

Pain, grief, sadness and frustration — some of the words a Regina rabbi is using to describe his reaction to the synagogue shooting that killed 11 worshippers in Pittsburgh last weekend.

Chabad Jewish Centre Rabbi Avrohom Simmonds said the tragedy hit close to home for him, as he has friends in Pittsburgh.

However, he said the way to respond to hatred is with kindness.

“No matter how evil something is, a light will always dispel darkness,” Simmonds said.

“Goodness will always take away negativity, our resolve will be even stronger than ever before to continue being proud of who we are and sharing that with others.”

While that sounds difficult, Simmonds said people need to start with people closest to them.

“If we spread messages of love and senseless acts of goodness and kindness to our families, our friends, try to get involved in some community projects, we’ll change things little by little,” he said.

Simmonds said his friends in Pittsburgh have started a campaign to do good deeds. As well, they’re displaying a sacred scroll on their doorposts to show they’re not intimidated by Saturday’s attack.

A community-wide vigil is being held at Regina’s Victoria Park on Thursday at 5 p.m.