SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Dozens of members of Central Florida's Jewish community gathered Monday evening to honor 11 people who were fatally shot and six others who were injured Saturday at a Pittsburgh synagogue.
The prayer vigil was held at Seminole County's Chabad of Greater Orlando. The synagogue is guarded by armed deputies and specially trained members during each service or event.
Pam Pores, of Winter Park, said she regularly attends Chabad and volunteers at other Central Florida Jewish organizations and is concerned about her safety.
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"We're looking to make sure no one is walking in," she said. "(I) hate to say it, but something fell, and everybody right away (was startled by the) loud noise. And any little clip right now, you're on pins and needles."
Rabbi Levik Dubov, of Chabad of Downtown Orlando, said members of the Jewish faith must not allow violence to keep them from practicing their faith. %
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"Our answer to these events is (to) not cower in fear or to have some sort of fear-mongering amongst our people," he said. "On the contrary, it's to come out and strengthen our resolve."
Another vigil is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Congregation of Reform Judaism in Orlando.
[ Read: Orlando-area Jewish centers focus on security after Pittsburgh shooting ]
"We're going to pay tribute and memorial to the people who were affected by this tragic event," said Rabbi Steven Engel, one of the organizers of Tuesday's vigil. "We're going to remember them. And in their memories, we're going to turn the pain that we have into something good."
Community leaders said they will meet in the coming weeks to work on a plan demanding that politicians pledge to not to use hate speech while campaigning.