An 8-year-old girl, Mira Cohen, is recovering after sustaining injuries during a tragic synagogue shooting in Poway, California. The incident occurred during Passover services when a gunman entered the Chabad of Poway temple, targeting worshippers. Although she survived, Mira expressed that her sense of safety has been shattered forever.
On the day of the attack, Mira was attending the service with her uncle, David Schwartz, playing with other children inside the synagogue. The horrifying moment unfolded when she witnessed the shooter open fire. “I can’t even describe it. It was terrifying and so scary,” she recounted. “We go to pray, and we’re supposed to feel safe.”
Mira’s uncle was holding her hand when the gunman fired, aiming directly at him. She explained that shrapnel from the bullet struck her leg and face, causing immense pain. “It felt like I had the biggest bruise ever,” she said, revealing the traumatic experience. “He was aiming right at us. He was aiming at the kids.”
This isn’t the first time Mira has faced violence. Her family previously relocated from Sderot, Israel, where they endured rocket attacks. After moving to California, they also encountered hate crimes, including vandalism at their home. “We were sleeping in a locked room with knives and a baseball bat because it was the only way I could protect my family,” Mira’s father, Jacob Cohen, stated.
After relocating to Poway, the family found themselves targeted again due to their faith. Thanks to her uncle’s quick thinking, Mira and other children were led to safety. “He was shooting at me from across the room, and I saw him staring at me,” David said. Following his injury, he managed to guide the children to an emergency exit and directed them to the rabbi’s home nearby.
The Cohen family is mourning the loss of a dear friend, who was killed during the attack, leaving them grappling with their grief. Other individuals, like veteran Alex Ramirez, displayed extraordinary bravery by confronting the gunman. “As he was firing, I ran towards him yelling, and he dropped his weapon and fled,” Alex recounted.
Mira’s traumatic experience from this hate-driven act is likely to linger with her for a long time. “I feel scared and unsafe, like someone is always watching us,” she admitted. This incident underscores the harsh realities of violence and the impact it has on innocent lives.
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In summary, the heartbreaking story of Mira Cohen illustrates the profound impact of violence on children, particularly in places that are meant to be safe havens. Despite surviving, the fear and trauma linger, reminding us of the urgent need for safety and compassion in our communities.