NJ leaders pledge solidarity with Israel amid Hamas surprise attack. Here's how

The shock waves from rocket attacks on Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip reverberated throughout New Jersey on Saturday.

The attack by Hamas militants during a major Jewish holiday killed dozens, injured thousands and provoked what Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared “war.” At least 70 people have died in Israel, where militants have coordinated ground attacks and abductions of civilians and soldiers, according to reports from Israel’s national rescue service. In Gaza, about 200 people have died, the Palestinian health ministry said.

'Stand with the people of Israel'

Gov. Phil Murphy in a Saturday statement said the attacks against innocent civilians must be condemned, and he supported Israel's right to react with force in what has already been the deadliest conflict in the region in years.

"As a state with one of the largest Jewish and Israeli American communities in the world, today's news is especially hard to fathom," Murphy said. "I stand with the people of Israel in this dark hour in a united show of resolve against terrorism."

Associated Press photos released Saturday showed the kidnapping of an elderly Israeli woman by armed men. Scenes on social media appeared to show the body of an Israeli soldier being dragged though Gaza streets. Hamas’ leaders said the violence was initiated in reaction to Israeli raids inside West Bank cities, violence at Al Aqsa and other hostile acts from Israel and its settlers on Palestine and its people.

During Saturday services at Beth Judah Temple in Wildwood, Rabbi Ron Isaacs dedicated a prayer to the congregation's Israeli brothers and sisters "who are surely in need of our prayers and in need of healing."

In North Jersey, officials for the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ said they would use dedicated funds raised in their United Jewish Appeal's Annual Campaign "first to support needs on the ground in Israel." Federation officials are hosting a "Stand with Israel" rally at 1 p.m. Sunday at B'nai Jeshurun in Short Hills.

Mohammed Deif, a Hamas military leader, said in a recorded statement that the assault, dubbed “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm,” was far from over. Netanyahu said the Israeli military would prioritize a strong homeland defense before turning to retaliation in Gaza.

“The enemy will pay an unprecedented price,” Netanyahu said.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who represents New Jersey's 5th Congressional District and is Jewish, said he will always stand with Israel and support the democratic nation's "right to defend herself from those who seek her destruction."

"We must continue our work to provide Israel with the resources she needs to defend herself from terror, including increased counter-drone capabilities, investment for the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile defense systems, and additional offensive munitions to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge," he said. "Israel must crush the terrorists responsible for this war and protect democracy — and America must have Israel’s back."

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Simchat Torah; 50 years since 1973 Yom Kippur War

The attacks coincided with Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday that marks the end of the annual cycle of reading the Torah scroll. They also came 50 years and a day after Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel during Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.

"On this day, which is the holiday of Simchat Torah in Israel — we literally sing and dance with simcha — with happiness," officials with the Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey said in a Saturday statement. "Today, is not a day of simcha in Israel, but it is a day of solidarity, determination and utmost seriousness."

Sen. Cory Booker, who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he stands with the people of Israel and the families of those who have lost loved ones.

“I emphatically condemn Hamas' horrific acts of violence, kidnapping and terror targeting Israeli families, children and other civilians in towns and cities across the nation of Israel," he said.

Deif also referenced Israel's long-standing blockade over Gaza as a reason for the fighting. Initiated after Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007, the blockade's impact on the movement of people and goods from the territory has stifled its economy. Israeli officials have said the blockade is designed to hinder the flow of weapons. Palestinians have called it oppression.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Israel Palestine conflict: NJ leaders pledge solidarity