Our hearts are with everyone in and connected to Highland Park after yet another senseless act of gun violence. We mourn for the seven people who lost their lives and send strength to all of their families and loved ones. We also pray for the numerous people who suffered injuries during Monday’s attack. Many Mishkanites live in and around Highland Park, and we are sending love to all of those impacted by this tragedy.
Zichronam livrachah —May their memories be a blessing.
Stephen Straus, 88, beloved Uncle of a Mishkan Builder.
Jacki Sundheim, 63, a congregant and staff member at North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe.
Nicolas Toledo, 78, a father and grandfather from Morelos, Mexico who had been visiting his family in Illinois after being separated from them for two years due to the pandemic.
Eduardo Uvaldo, grandfather from Waukegan.
Katherine Goldstein, 64, mother to daughters Cassie and Alana and wife to Craig Goldstein.
Irina McCarthy and Kevin McCarthy, both of whom were killed while protecting their 2 year old son Aiden from the attack.
“And nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall we know war any longer.”
(Isaiah 2:4).
The Highland Park shooting was the 314th mass shooting in 2022. It was just a few weeks ago that Mishkanites rallied at the March For Our Lives, demanding policy-level solutions to gun violence. Yet, here we are again. We will continue our fight and invite you to join us in this work. We are committed to building a world that realizes the vision of the prophet Isaiah, when our weapons of destruction are remade into tools of peace.
Local Resources
Interfaith Vigil
Tonight (Wednesday, July 6) there will be a gathering at 7pm at Makom Solel Lakeside open to everyone and an interfaith gathering in Northbrook at 6:30pm at the Northbrook United Methodist Church at 1190 Western Ave. All are welcome.
Evening of Support for the Community
Led by trauma informed experts, JCFS Chicago will be offering an evening of support on Wednesday, July 6 at 7:00pm. All are welcome to attend this virtual event focused on healing through words of comfort, conversation, and music. Join us using this link.
Emotional Support
The JCFS Chicago Warm Line phone connection is available to provide assistance for anyone affected by the Highland Park shooting who does not have an urgent need and is looking for someone to talk to about their emotional distress. Call the warm line to connect to an emotional support professional between 9am and 5pm Monday through Thursday, 9am-4pm Fridays at 855.275.5237.
Donations
You can make a direct donation to the families affected by the shooting. Blood donations are also needed at this time.