'We Stand With Israel' Vigil Set In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, NJ — The Jewish community is inviting Ocean County residents to join them for a vigil Wednesday, Oct. 11, in response to the attacks from Gaza, officials announced.

The "We Stand With Israel" vigil is set to begin at 7 p.m. at Beth Am Shalom, 1235 Route 70 in Lakewood, NJ. Speakers and guests include community rabbis and other leaders, including Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.

"Our community needs an opportunity to come together, to grieve together, to share our hopes together, and to condemn these horrific acts with a loud and unified voice," said Rabbi Stephen Gold of Beth Am Shalom, which is hosting the vigil.

More than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel since the surprise attacks by Hamas on Saturday, the Associated Press reported, and more than 150 people, including women and children, are being held hostage inside Gaza by Hamas. More than 1,000 people have been killed inside Gaza, including dozens of Hamas fighters.

"Our brothers and sisters need our voice, and we need to come together — 'am echad b’lev echad, as one people with one heart— at this most trying time for Israel," said Rabbi William Gershon of Congregation B'nai Israel.

The igil is sponsored by Congregation Beth Am, Chabad of Toms River, Congregation Ahavat Olam, Congregation B’nai Israel, JCC of Long Beach Island, Jewish Federation of Ocean County, and Temple Beth Or.

"There is a deep commitment to Israel in our local Jewish community," said Annabel Lindenbaum, board chair of the Jewish Federation. "We need to come together to make a strong statement to others and to reaffirm the values and the connections that bind us together."

The Jewish Federation is also organizing a community-wide Israel Emergency Campaign to help support the relief and recovery of the injured and traumatized in Israel following this horrific attack against innocent civilians. Additional details were expected to be released later.