AVENTURA, Fla. – The community came together in Aventura Friday for the young couple killed in Washington, D.C. in what’s being called a stunning act of violence fueled by hate.
“We should not have this happening in the United States or anywhere in the world, and it is time we come together to unite against hate,” Aventura City Commissioner Rachel Friedlander said.
On Wednesday night, police say 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez opened fire on the Capitol Jewish Museum, killing Israeli embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.
According to court documents, after the victims fell to the ground, Rodriguez reloaded and fired again.
He’s now facing charges including first-degree murder.
Here in South Florida, the Jewish community, one of the biggest in the world outside Israel, is on edge.
Congregations and organizations are looking at security protocols.
People at Friday’s event said hateful rhetoric and anti semitism is on the rise, but their leadership and their ability to come together as one community are stronger than ever.