Local Jewish Federation Plans Rally In Solidarity With Israel In Somerset Co. This Week

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Amid escalating battles between Israel and Hamas, the Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey said it will hold a community-wide event to stand in solidarity with Israel.

The federation, representing Jewish communities in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties, said Saturday it will "act immediately and comprehensively to support our brothers and sisters as they defend Israel."

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m., held at Temple Beth-El (67 U.S. Highway 206, Hillsborough, 08844). Local Jewish leaders, as well as statewide and elected officials and invited guests, are scheduled to attend.

More than 800 Israelis and 500 Palestinians have been killed as of Monday, since Hamas launched a large-scale attack Saturday that broke the Gaza-Israel barrier. Israel formally declared war on Sunday.

More than 2,700 Palestinians and 2,200 Israelis have been wounded, according to their respective governments. At least nine American citizens have died, and an undetermined amount are missing and unaccounted for, the State Department said Monday.

"The Jewish communities of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties in New Jersey stand in total and complete solidarity with our Israeli brethren," said the Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey in a statement.

New Jersey has seen no credible threats of attacks inspired by the ongoing violence, state Attorney General Matthew Platkin said last weekend. Nonetheless, law enforcement increased patrols at Jewish and Muslim houses of worship around the state.

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