WeHa Vigil To Urge Release of Israel's Hostages

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Members of the local community are expected at a special vigil in town Saturday night, Jan. 20, to urge the release of hundreds of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

The vigil will take place from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the Young Israel of West Hartford synagogue, 2240 Albany Ave., West Hartford.

People will gather by the "Free the Hostages" billboard at that location and security will be present to ensure the safety of those in attendance, according to event organizers.

The program is being called the "Bring Them Home Now Community Havdallah and Vigil," according to "Jewish Hartford Women," a grassroots group of Jewish women from across the greater Hartford area, which is organizing the event.

Parking is available on adjacent side streets — Seneca Road and Mohegan Drive.

Saturday's program marks 100 days since Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel last October, killing thousands and taking hundreds more hostage, many of whom are still in captivity.

"The vigil is particularly significant as it marks over 100 days since Hamas terrorists attacked Israeli cities, resulting in the tragic loss of over 1,200 lives and the kidnapping of more than 240 hostages, including men, women, children, infants, and the elderly," wrote Jewish Hartford Women.

"Since then, more than 133 hostages remain captive in Gaza under the most deplorable conditions possible and under constant threat of murder by Hamas terrorists."

JewisHartford Women is inviting all members of the community to join in solidarity.

The event will feature a Havdallah ceremony, a reading of the names, and moments of reflection.

For more information on Young Israel of West Hartford, click on this link.