WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town's Jewish community will gather tonight at a local synagogue for a special vigil to support Israel, which is embroiled in a war against terrorists.
The Greater Hartford Rabbinical Association, in collaboration with local synagogues and Jewish community agencies, will host a vigil for prayer, solace and song in solidarity with Israel.
It will take place at the Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, West Hartford,
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the vigil begins at 7:30 p.m. and concludes at 8:15 p.m.
"This event is a gathering of the Jewish community, communities of faith and peoples of good conscience who seek solace, unity, and community in the shadow of the horrific events in Israel," wrote vigil organizers in a statement Tuesday morning.
"We will come together in prayer, community, and song – supporting one another and renewing our unwavering commitment to the State of Israel and her people and in prayer for the speedy release of the over 200 hostages barbarically trapped in Gaza."
The vigil comes more than three weeks after Hamas terrorists based in the Gaza part of Israel, home to a large Palestinian community, attacked Jewish civilians in Israel, slaughtering many, including women and children.
Hamas has also taken about 200 hostages and brought them into Gaza as the region prepares for an eventual invasion by Israeli forces.
This program to support Israel is being organized by Rabbi Tuvia Brander of the Young Israel of West Hartford.
West Hartford is home to the largest Jewish population in Connecticut.
"As Israel faces an existential threat, we, the Jewish community, people of all faiths, and individuals of good conscience from across the Greater Hartford area, gather together in solidarity and prayer to support and protect Israel, the Israeli people, the Israeli Defense Forces, and innocent civilians across the region who have been put in harm's way by the terrorist organization Hamas," Brander in a statement Tuesday.
"We also pray and call for the immediate release of the more than 200 men, women and children held hostage in Gaza, "
Security measures will be in place and visible, organizers said.
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