Charleston reverend forms friendship with Pittsburgh rabbi after attacks

Two clergymen, a reverend from Charleston and a rabbi from Pittsburgh, have developed a close friendship based on their parallel lives and shared experiences, as reported by wptv.com and other outlets.

The Charleston reverend was serving at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church when a White supremacist opened fire during a Wednesday night Bible study session. Three years later, the Pittsburgh rabbi was leading services at the Tree of Life Temple when a gunman attacked, killing 11 people in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.

The rabbi survived by hiding in a bathroom and communicating with emergency services. The Charleston reverend later visited Pittsburgh to meet the rabbi, which marked the beginning of their deep and unexpected friendship.

This story was featured on the program "Connected with Alisyn Camerota," which airs new episodes Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scripps News and its YouTube channel.