Amid bloodshed, relentless attacks, Cincinnati stands strong in its support for Israel
Saturday, Oct. 7, will forever be etched in our memories. Messages poured in from individuals worldwide, uniting us in the awareness of the ongoing attack. Israel was under a relentless assault by land, sea and air, resulting in heart-wrenching loss and suffering. Israeli President Isaac Herzog's words still haunt us: "Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed in one day."
The war in Israel continues, and we've been horrified by the reports and images of innocent civilians, including women, children and grandparents, being targeted without regard for the rules of war. Reports from Kibbutz Kfar Azza are particularly haunting, with one reporter describing it as "smelling like death." As we think of our own families, we can't help but feel the anguish of the parents who tried to rescue their children from the horrors they faced, as in the tragic music festival attack that claimed over 260 young lives or bodies of decapitated babies discovered at razed villages. We must also remember those who remain hostages, their fate unknown, and their families living a nightmare.
More: Cincinnati leaders, Jewish Federation respond to attacks on Israel
In the face of unimaginable tragedy, our community stands strong, united in our unwavering support for Israel and each other. It warms our hearts to witness the strength and solidarity of Jewish Cincinnati and the incredible love and support we've received from friends in the broader community. This solidarity is a source of strength in these challenging times as we endure feelings of pain and helplessness in witnessing the bloodshed of our people, our loved ones in Israel.
Out of this darkness, a powerful connection to Israel emerges. For many of us, this connection is deeply personal. Israel is not just a distant land; it's a part of us. We've sent thousands of our teens to Israel, supported countless families in their Aliyah (immigration) journeys, and mourned the loss of our lone soldiers (Americans who are serving) in this war. Over the past three decades, we've built relationships with our Israeli emissaries, many of whom are being called to serve once again. Almost every individual in our community shares this personal connection with Israel and knows someone, either directly or indirectly, who has lost a loved one.
Here in Cincinnati on Tuesday, we gathered together − over 1,700 people − in solidarity, underscoring the power of community. Over 44 local Jewish organizations proudly stood together, offering a message of hope and perseverance. In the words of Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, who spoke at the community gathering, "The entire community of Cincinnati stands with you and stands with Israel."
We are living in a critical moment. Antisemitism was already on the rise, and now, more than ever, we must remain vigilant. It's essential to remember that Israel faces complex challenges when it comes to defending its citizens. History teaches us that the world tends to forget as Israel responds, and public opinion shifts, making us the scapegoats for others' pain. As Yossi Klein Halevi, New York Times Best-Selling Author, cautions, "We don’t need the world’s sympathy only when the violated bodies of our family and friends are displayed to cheering mobs in Gaza. We need that sympathy when we attack those who have carried out these atrocities."
In the face of this tragedy, we find strength in our resilience, knowing that together, we can rebuild from the ashes, just as we have done before. Let us remember the words of Zahava Rendler, a Holocaust survivor, from our gathering: "My belief is, tomorrow the sun will shine again on my home, our home, the great state of Israel."
Danielle Minson is CEO of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. Rabbi Ari (Ballaban) Jun is director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati shows unity, unwavering support for Israel amid attacks
