AP/Denis Poroy
Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein. (AP /Denis Poroy)

Rabbi Goldstein says President Trump spoke about his love for Israel and Judaism.

By AP and United With Israel Staff 

A Chabad rabbi who was shot during a deadly attack on his synagogue in the San Diego area on Saturday expressed gratitude for the call he received from President Donald Trump.

Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein told reporters on Sunday that the U.S. president called him to share his condolences on behalf of the American people.

Lori Gilbert-Kaye, 60, was killed in the shooting, sacrificing her life to shield the rabbi from the gunfire. The rabbi was one of three people injured in the attack, which took place at the synagogue in Poway, California, during a service marking the Jewish Sabbath and the end of the Passover holiday.

Rabbi Goldstein says President Trump was comforting and spoke about his love of peace, Judaism, and Israel.

Authorities identified the gunman as John Earnest, a 19-year old white male from San Diego.

On Sunday night, hundreds of people gathered at a community park near the Chabad synagogue for a vigil to honor the victims of the attack.

People held candles and listened to prayers in Hebrew. Leaders asked community members to do acts of kindness to remember Gilbert-Kaye, who had been a longtime member of the synagogue.

Mayor Steve Vaus said he stands with the community.

Rabbi Goldstein said that seeing the crowd come together provided consolation.

“What happened to us, happened to all of us,” said the rabbi.