Local members of the Jewish community react to Bondi Beach tragedy

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Local members of the Jewish Community in Yuma are reacting to the Bondi Beach shooting from over the weekend.

People everywhere are mourning the lives lost at Bondi Beach.

Kristin Lavotshkin, a member of the local Jewish community, say she was distraught when they saw the images and videos from the tragic event near Hannukah.

"Just takes your breath away, you almost don't have words, again for what for being at a celebration? It just completely breaks my heart," says Lavotshkin.

With 15 victims, ages ranging from ten to 87, it was difficult to hear.

However, local Rachael Barkley says she will not hide away from her religion.

"I'm going to show more light, I'm going to invite more people over to celebrate Hanukkah, non-Jewish and Jewish, and yes, it makes me want to share my Jewish religion with everyone that I can," Barkley says.

Lavotshkin agrees with her not shying away from who she truly is.

"It makes me kind of stand firm. I don't think more fighting is what's needed when this kind of thing happens. I think if anything we need to sit down and talk, we need to find peace," she explained.

They also share what they would say to the two shooters.

"I would tell them to open their hearts and try to believe in love not hate. Hating a person because of their religion is terrible," said Barkley.

"These are innocent children...these are people just trying to celebrate their traditions...No one is attacking you, and if you feel that way, why is that," Lavotshkin says.

She also urges people who are scared to pray, listen to their heart, and respect everyone's expression of love no matter the religion.