FAITH leaders have called on communities, political leaders and authorities to come together after a gunman opened fire in a synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11 people.

The Jewish population is in mourning after the attack on Saturday, which took place during a baby-naming ceremony at the Tree of Life Congregation.

At least six other people – four of them police officers – were wounded in the incident.

Rabbi Maurice Michaels, of Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, said after a period without anti-semitism, the issue now appeared to have ‘awoken with an absolute force’.

“There is something about a hatred, which has come to the fore at the moment. It is not just anti-semitism, but a general hatred. There is a division in society.

“There is an association of the message and the person bringing the message.

“I have friends I would disagree with, but I would still go out and spend time with them.

“Now the message and the person is linked and there becomes an instant hatred."

Rabbi Michaels said he had been contacted by a member of a Christian congregation in Bournemouth on Saturday night, who wished to share their thoughts and prayers with the Jewish community.

This message of kindness was of ‘incredible importance’, according to Rabbi Michaels. He added: “We have to start addressing this everywhere.

“The political parties have to do a lot more and understand what is happening, schools have to educate, as do faith leaders.

“Every faith leader has to come out and say this is unacceptable. Anyone who acts in this way is not acting in accordance with faith.

“These incidents can happen everywhere, but we need to make sure the authorities all recognise hate crime for what it is and come down really hard on it.

“This is always going to be a small minority, but it is a small minority that can cause a great deal of damage.”

Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz, from Chabad of Bournemouth, said in times of darkness communities must come together to spread light and positivity.

He said: “The Jewish community is used to these attacks. Everytime it happens we are reminded of just how real the threat it.

“There has to be a reform in education and the way children are taught to end this feeling of hatred towards Jews. Real change will only happen with total reform.”

Bournemouth councillor Michael Filer who has led many twinning trips to Netanya, Bournemouth’s twin town said the Pittsburgh attack was a ‘terrible tragedy’.

He added: “Here in Bournemouth we have a very well-trained security team, supported closely by the police, who give excellent help and support both with advice and practical, visible presence. Without being complacent we feel confident and well-protected.”