Watch: Large West Hartford Crowd Rallies For War-Torn Israel

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A massive gathering of area residents, officials and dignitaries made it clear to Israel they stand with them after one of that country's darkest days.

The "Solidarity Rall for the Support of Israel" late Monday afternoon drew a diverse throng, but one singular in the message to a conflict that has horrified the world.

On Saturday, Oct. 7, a multi-pronged terrorist attack by Hamas forces against Israeli civilians resulted in the deaths of thousands, triggering a brutal war with Israeli forces laying siege to Gaza near southern Israel in retaliation.

As West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor pointed out, many in West Hartford, like her, have relatives and friends in Israel.

Considering the town has the largest Jewish population in Connecticut, it was only natural Monday's rally was massive, emotional and unified.

"There is no doubt that there are very difficult days ahead, really difficult days ahead," said Cantor. "And we need to hold each other tight, remain in constant communication, share accurate information and support each other and love each other."

As the body count piles up and the destruction skyrockets, a litany of leaders spoke at West Hartford Town Hall to condemn the attacks and show support for Israel.

Among the speakers were Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and David Waren, president and chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, which organized the event Monday.

An emotional Lamont told the crowd to be loud and show the war-torn U.S. ally they can count on support from the Nutmeg State.

"I want you to be loud. I want Israel to hear us. I want them to know that West Hartford stands with Israel," Lamont shouted amid cheers. "Connecticut stands with Israel. America stands with Israel. Civilized people around the world stand with Israel."

Tuesday, Lamont ordered all flags to be lowered at half-staff to honor those killed in Israel.

Other speakers touched on the horror of what happened, of videos circulating showing Israeli civilians being brutally massacred or kidnapped by Hamas terrorists.

Connecticut's Senate delegation pledged support for Israel militarily and economically and they urged constituents to support that policy.

"This blow is devastating, but we will stand with Israel not just with words, but in providing them the arms they need to win this fight," Blumenthal said.

He pointed a finger at Iran, a constant enemy of the U.S., for helping to support Hamas and the terror attacks there.

"Iran may think that it has succeeded, but we know that we will stand strong and this kind of terrorist brutality, this abhorrent atrocity, the unspeakable cruelty will not succeed," Blumenthal said. "We will triumph and Israel will win this war."

Murphy, fresh off a day walking across Connecticut in his annual constituent meeting journey, said support for Israel is necessary for years to come.

He also spoke of the terrible images of the attacks, which, unlike past Israeli wars in 1973 and 1967, were filmed in real-time via cell phones.

"The images that we have seen, the videos that some of us have beared to watch are unspeakable," Murphy said. "They bring tears to our eyes. But they are just the latest evidence of the risk that Israel lives with ... every single day."

Warren kicked off the program by ticking off the frightening statistics of the attack's first days, citing 900-plus deaths, thousands of injuries and hundreds kidnapped — all figures that stand to go upward in coming days and weeks.

"This was an unprovoked attack targeting civilians that shows the true face of Hamas," Warren said.

Sadly, the West Hartford community knows all too well the tragedy of terrorism in Israel and in that region.

Last February, local native Elan Ganeles, 27, was killed by Palestinian terrorists while visiting Israel for a friend's wedding. He was gunned down in a vehicle.

From Oct. 9: 'West Hartford To Host Rally In Support Of Israel'

From March 2: 'Slain West Hartford Native's Memory Celebrated At Funeral In Israel'

From Feb. 28: 'West Hartford Native Murdered While In Israel: Jewish Federation'