Poway Synagogue Shooting - April 2019

Thu, 2 May 2019 13:56:27 GMT

The Poway synagogue shooting occurred on April 27, 2019, when an alleged 19 year old gunman armed with an AR-style rifle fired shots inside the Chabad of Poway synagogue in Poway, close to San Diego California. The attack took place on the last day of the Jewish Passover holiday. One woman was killed and three other people were injured, including the synagogue's rabbi. Tragedies relative to gun violence have become increasingly prevalent in the United States. There have also been recent up rises and concerns relative to Anti-Semitism, and gun violence against individuals due to their religion.

We are opening up a Virtual Memorial, in the form of a live blog. The Virtual Memorial allows us to discuss this attack and its effects on us personally and professionally within the psychology community. Please use our live blog below to share or process any thoughts or feelings you have about this incident. You can also share any resources for clinicians, or ways to show support to others through this time of tragedy.

To provide support to the victims of the Poway Synagogue shooting please visit:

Thu, 2 May 2019 20:09:05 GMT

I can't imagine how hard this must be for the the survivors. When things like this happens, especially when places of worship become targets, it's hard for the congregation to feel safe in what is supposed to be a safe haven. Can we as psychologists do more to repair the feelings of fear when in places of worship? Some are beginning to feel no place is safe.

Fri, 3 May 2019 14:25:25 GMT

I agree with Dr. Harris. It is hard for those we work with to feel safe in many areas of life; schools and now places of worship. How do we increase safety with this re-occurring problem. I have seen many congregations encouraging their members that although there is fear, we are stronger together. Many congregations are holding vigils to support those impacted, and are promoting connectedness as an effective strategy to fight back against hate.