Mass Shooting Survivor

What Happened On April 27, 2019?

The Chabad of Poway Synagogue Shooting

On April 27 2019, our tranquil sanctuary in Poway, California, was violently disrupted during our Passover service. I, Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, was at the forefront of the attack. A hateful gunman, armed with an AR-15-style weapon, stormed into our congregation, spewing anti-Semitic slurs and creating chaos.

The heart-wrenching incident claimed the life of a 60-year-old woman, Lori Gilbert Kaye, as she prepared to recite a memorial prayer for her mother. In an attempt to reason with the assailant, I, too, was shot, my hands bearing the scars of that fateful day.

Our tight-knit community was shaken to its core, and we were reminded that hatred persists in our society. Mayor Steve Vaus rightly declared it a hate crime, and our nation’s leaders echoed this sentiment.

Poway is a place where neighbors rally to support one another in times of need. This strength was evident when we faced wildfires, and it remains unwavering in the face of hatred. We eagerly await the day when justice prevails for the perpetrator.

This incident starkly highlights the ongoing challenge of anti-Semitism and the role the internet plays in fostering violence. Nevertheless, as survivors, we stand firm, honoring the past and striving for a future where hate becomes a distant memory.”