Our community stands with Israel

In the days since Hamas launched a surprise attack (October 7) on Israel killing over 13,000 Israelis, synagogues and Jewish organizations have teamed up together from all corners of South Florida to hold candlelight vigils and solidarity rallies.

Many of these vigils have drawn support from thousands of participants who have united together to express their grief for those who were murdered, kidnapped and injured.

Vigils have taken place at the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton, B’nai Torah in Boca Raton, Temple Torah Emet in Boynton Beach, The Shul of Bal Harbour and many others including an evening of unity and prayer held at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport in West Palm Beach that was sponsored by the Chabad Centers of Northern Palm Beach County. The Chabads involved included Chabad of Royal Palm Beach, Chabad West Palm Beach, Chabad of Jupiter, Chabad of West Boynton, Wellington Jewish Center, The Chabad House – Palm Beach, Chabad of Lake Worth, Chabad of South Palm Beach, Chabad West Lake Worth, Chabad of Singer Island and Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens. The program included Cantorial prayers, a children’s choir as well as a special message from the IDF soldiers on the Gaza border.

The rally held at Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton was organized by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. At the event’s conclusion, two ShinShinim (young adult ambassadors from Israel), were called to the stage to light candles in memory of all the lives lost since the beginning of the atrocities. With a final message of
hope, the event gathering concluded with the singing of Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, and Am Yisrael Chai, a song expressing the indomitable spirit of the Jewish People, surviving against all odds. With this final message of hope, candles were lit to symbolize the wish for a brighter and more peaceful future in the Middle East.

Matt Levin, President and CEO of Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, said:

“More than ever before, we need to be here for each other and to show our friends and families in Israel that we ache with them. Our hearts are breaking. And all know why. On a day that was both one of the holiest days of the year and Shabbat, our friends and family in Israel were, and continue to be victims of an attack we haven’t experienced in decades. Just as we are here together tonight, this is how we must remain. There is no path forward except together, holding onto each other in love, and working together to rise above any form of hate, antisemitism and terror”.

Michael Hoffman, President and CEO, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, said:

“Even as so many in Israel are grieving and in significant pain – we are witnessing how the people and State of Israel are coming together, yet again, to demonstrate astonishing resilience. We too, need to come together as a community around one cause and stand in solidarity to support our extended family in Israel. The last few days have been a stunning reminder of the unique role we play – as a family of organizations, congregations, faiths and backgrounds who make up the tapestry of the Palm Beach community.  Together, we send a collective message: we are here for our global family, and we will never abandon them”.

To pledge your support for Israel, contact your local synagogue or Jewish organization. 100% of your donation goes to Israel.

Alan Goch is the editor and Linda Chase is the contributor editor of the Jewish Journal.