Augusta's Jewish community urges community solidarity in wake of Hamas attack on Israel
Members of Augusta’s Jewish community are playing host to a gathering to show community solidarity for Israel as the latest battle rages between the Jewish state and militants with the Palestinian nationalist group Hamas.
The service will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, 935 Johns Rd., in Augusta’s Summerville neighborhood.
On Oct. 7, pro-Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip forced their way into Israel, attacking both military installations and civilian communities. On Tuesday, the Israeli casualty toll reached at least 1,200 deaths with more than 3,400 wounded. Hamas reported 855 Palestinians killed and more than 4,300 wounded.
Past solidarity gatherings in Augusta have attracted about 100 to 200 participants, said Nicky Spivak, executive director of the Jewish Community Center and Federation of Augusta. For Thursday, “there could be more, but there’s really no way of knowing,” he said.
Security will be in place for the event, Spivak added. He will moderate the evening’s program, which will include words from local rabbis Zalman Fischer, Chabad of Augusta; Remy Liverman, Congregation Children of Israel; and David Sirull, Adas Yeshurun Synagogue.
'This is terrorism': Biden confirms US hostages held; 14 Americans killed by Hamas
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Jewish leaders urge local unity with Israel after Hamas attack
