Supporters were encouraged to bring bunches of flowers, which they placed in the fence surrounding the burnt shell of the synagogue.
Police and security officers were in the area during the gathering.
Klein said while the congregation was still reeling, they found strength after they came together on Saturday – Shabbat, the holy day of rest – and were buoyed by widespread community support.
“A lot of the wives and the children were quite shaken up,” he said.
“In school on Friday, we had people come talk to the children to explain to them that most of Melbourne and Australia is not like this. There are some people that don’t like us, but we have to stay strong and continue to thrive.”
Surveying the wall of vibrant flowers, Adass Israel member Moshe Pollak said the public outpouring helped ease the hurt over the destruction of important religious texts.
“I’m incredibly …