‘An Afternoon of Healing’ Planned in Wake of Attack

Gov. Gray Davis, Mayor Richard Riordan and Jewish community leaders will gather Sunday for “An Afternoon of Healing” in a show of solidarity in the aftermath of this week’s shootings at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in Granada Hills.

The Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Community Centers of Greater Los Angeles, Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and the Board of Rabbis of Southern California will convene at 2 p.m. at the Cal State Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., organizers said.

At the rally, to be held at the campus Quad, Davis, Riordan and community leaders will offer prayers and call for spiritual healing within the community, organizers said.

Invited guests include the family of slain letter carrier Joseph Ileto and North Valley Jewish Community Center staff.

In an open letter to the community, campus interim President Louanne Kennedy said she was opening the doors of the university to reach out to “our neighbors during this time of crisis.”

“It is times such as these, in the face of fear and the threat of violence, that friends, neighbors and people of goodwill must join hands in mutual support and solidarity,” Kennedy wrote.

In addition to Sunday’s gathering, Kennedy said the university plans to host a fall conference to explore how diverse community organizations in the San Fernando Valley can work together to promote collaboration and harmony.

For more information about Sunday’s event, call (323) 761-8085.