NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — Rabbi Jeffrey Myers will never forget October 27, 2018. It was the day he watched a gunman came into the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, killing 11 worshipers. Since that day, Rabbi Myers has been using his voice to denounce hate in faith communities.
Myers was the guest speaker at the Nashville's Temple Synagogue Monday evening, where the "Nashville is Stronger Than Hate" rally took place. Myers used the time to talk about being a survivor and how the word hate brings on hateful actions.
Myers is a survivor of the 2018 mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue, the deadliest attack in the history of the American Jewish community.
Because of that dreadful day, synagogues across the country have lived in fear while hiring security and police departments to keep themselves safe.
Now, they're working with all faith communities to say no more -- to even stop saying the word "hate" all together.
"The word 'hate' is a four letter obscenity I will no longer use," said Myers.
In solidarity, people from all races, religions and backgrounds gathered at the Temple in Belle Meade to say they're stronger than that four letter word.
Rabbi Myers says people need to do more to get to know one another despite differences.
"The massacre empowered people in new ways to become more vocal, more active, and more caring about their neighbors," Myers said.
The event was also an opportunity to support a community-wide security commitment to keep Jewish institutions safe.
