North Louisiana Federation hosts gathering in support of Israel after attacks

Makenzie Boucher, Shreveport Times
·2 min read

It was a crisp fall evening Wednesday as members of the community ushered their way through the doors of Kilpatrick Auditorium at Centenary College of Louisiana to stand in solidarity for Israel.

The North Louisiana Jewish Federation, along with Agudath Achim and B'nai Zion synagogues, hosted the event, which came four days after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people as of Thursday and taking an estimated 150 people hostage. Some 3,000 people had been injured, according to the North Louisiana Jewish Federation.

The North Louisiana Jewish Federation’s Community hosted a gathering in solidarity for Israel Wednesday evening, October 11, 2023, at the Kilpatrick Auditorium at Centenary College of Louisiana.
The North Louisiana Jewish Federation’s Community hosted a gathering in solidarity for Israel Wednesday evening, October 11, 2023, at the Kilpatrick Auditorium at Centenary College of Louisiana.

On Wednesday evening, Barbara Joseph, Executive Director of the North Louisiana Jewish Federation said, "at this time, it feels right to gather together to mourn the dead. Pray for healing for the wounded and the release of the hostages."

This gathering was one of 115 events planned this week for support of Israel across North America. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said, "I'm glad you all are here to stand with me and stand with Israel."

"My heart is sad and heavy and yet we are commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem," Arceneaux said. "We will pray for the peace of Israel."

Also in the crowd was state Rep. Cedric Glover, D-Shreveport. He said, "I join each of you tonight in continuing to affirm our commitment to stand with Israel."

Minister of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church Barbara Jarrell gives Rabbi Dr. Jana L. De Benedetti a hug during the North Louisiana Jewish Federation’s Community Solidarity Gathering for Israel Wednesday evening, October 11, 2023, at the Kilpatrick Auditorium of Centenary College.
Minister of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church Barbara Jarrell gives Rabbi Dr. Jana L. De Benedetti a hug during the North Louisiana Jewish Federation’s Community Solidarity Gathering for Israel Wednesday evening, October 11, 2023, at the Kilpatrick Auditorium of Centenary College.

During the gathering, Rabbi Dr. Jana L. De Benedetti of B'nai Zion Congregation led the attendees in prayer.

She ended the gathering by saying, "Do you have somebody there? Do you have someone in Israel? Have you lost anyone in Israel this week? Is there anyone that you know who is captive right now? Because I think you're going to find that almost everybody here is connected somehow and if you thought you weren't, please know that you are."

If you would like to support those who are being directly affected by this attack, the North Louisiana Jewish Federation said people can donate to the Israel Emergency Relief Fund at www.form.jotform.com.

More: 'All of America, must stand with Israel': Shreveport mayor releases statement on Israel

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: North Louisiana Federation hosts gathering in support of Israel