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Trump Visits Site of Massacre of 11 Jewish Worshippers


First lady Melania Trump, accompanied by President Donald Trump, and Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, right, puts down a white flower at a memorial for those killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018.
First lady Melania Trump, accompanied by President Donald Trump, and Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, right, puts down a white flower at a memorial for those killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, where a gunman massacred 11 worshippers during Saturday's Sabbath prayers.

Trump shook hands with the synagogue's Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Ron Dermer.

Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner — wearing a Jewish skullcap — and daughter Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism when she married Kushner, accompanied the president.

President Donald Trump's White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump, second from left, stand at a memorial for those killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018.
President Donald Trump's White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump, second from left, stand at a memorial for those killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018.

Donald and Melania Trump placed a stone at each of the 11 Stars of David set up outside the synagogue. Placing stones at a grave or remembrance site is an ancient Jewish tradition.

Protesters

A large crowd of protesters opposed to Trump's visit marched nearby. Many chanted "turn your backs," anticipating the president's motorcade would pass by. The president was headed to the hospital, where policemen injured during the shooting are recovering.

Trump told Fox News, "I'm just going to pay my respects. I'm also going to the hospital to see the officers and some of the people that were so badly hurt."

Protesters demonstrate near Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue where President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were visiting a memorial in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018.
Protesters demonstrate near Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue where President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were visiting a memorial in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018.

But the demonstrators, along with some politicians and Jewish leaders, wanted Trump to stay away from Pittsburgh until he firmly denounces white nationalism.

They believe his comment that there were "some very fine people" among neo-Nazis who marched in Charlottesville, Virginia, last year, along with his indictments of the news media and immigrants, incite those on the extreme right to use violence.

Pittsburgh's Mayor William Peduto, a Democrat, also said Trump should not visit the city while families are holding funerals.

"If the president is looking to come to Pittsburgh," Peduto said, "I would ask that he not do so while we are burying the dead." Peduto's office said the mayor does not plan to meet with Trump.

A man holds a sign outside the University of Pittsburgh's Presbyterian Hospital before the arrival of President Donald Trump's motorcade in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018.
A man holds a sign outside the University of Pittsburgh's Presbyterian Hospital before the arrival of President Donald Trump's motorcade in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018.

Top congressional leaders from both political parties declined invitations from Trump to join him in visiting, while the family of one of the victims is refusing to meet the president. The family said it felt Trump's statement suggesting that an armed guard stationed at the synagogue might have prevented the attack was inappropriate.

Robert Bowers, the 46-year-old truck driver accused of carrying out the attack, made his first appearance before a federal judge Monday.

Authorities accuse Bowers of carrying out the rampage out of vitriolic hatred of Jews, posting anti-Semitic tirades online and screaming "All Jews must die!" as he opened fire.

Bowers faces 29 federal charges, including some federal hate crimes. He could face the death penalty if he is convicted.

University of Pittsburgh students line the sidewalk across the street from the University of Pittsburgh's Presbyterian Hospital as President Donald Trump's motorcade arrives at the University of Pittsburgh's Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018.
University of Pittsburgh students line the sidewalk across the street from the University of Pittsburgh's Presbyterian Hospital as President Donald Trump's motorcade arrives at the University of Pittsburgh's Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Oct. 30, 2018.

The Anti-Defamation League, which has tracked hatred and violence against Jews since the 1970s, said the Pittsburgh mayhem was the worst attack against the Jewish community in U.S. history.

Funerals

Meanwhile, the first victims of the massacre were buried Tuesday.

About 1,800 people turned out for the funerals of Cecil and David Rosenthal — two mentally challenged adult brothers who were mainstays at the Tree of Life. They were called "gentle giants," passing out prayer books, cheerfully greeting all familiar worshippers at the synagogue, and giving warm welcomes to newcomers.

A casket is carried from Rodef Shalom Temple after funeral services for brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal, victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Oct. 30, 2018.
A casket is carried from Rodef Shalom Temple after funeral services for brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal, victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Oct. 30, 2018.

Several members of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team were at their funeral.

About 2,000 mourners came for the funeral of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz. He was known for being accessible for friendship and medical advice around the clock and was always willing to make personal sacrifices for his patients.

He was rarely seen without a colorful bowtie and was remembered as one of the first Pittsburgh doctors unafraid to treat AIDS patients when little was known about the disease.

Another victim, Daniel Stein, who had just become a grandfather, was also mourned Tuesday in a private ceremony.

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