As a deadly conflict continues in Israel, NC’s Jewish community plans to rally together
The Jewish community across the Triangle is planning to rally together in support of people in Israel on Monday after a weekend of deadly attacks that have left more than 800 dead in Israel.
Israel has declared war on the neighboring Gaza territory of Palestine after thousands of Hamas militants launched their strongest attack in recent history on Israelis.
Hamas is the armed wing of the Islamic nationalist political organization that dominates most of Palestine, including the Gaza Strip.
The controversial group is popular in Palestine although it is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and other countries, and has led a decades-long popular resistance to Israel.
The war hits close to home for Jewish people in the U.S., whose family members have been affected. The attacks have involved rocket barrages between Palestine and Israel, and hundreds of Israelis have been taken hostage by Hamas, according to the Associated Press.
The U.S. government is reportedly working to help evacuate Americans from Israel. At least nine Americans have been reportedly killed.
Jewish community is ‘devastated’
Saturday was the day of Simchat Torah, an annual Jewish holiday of public Torah readings.
Rabbi Matt Soffer of Judea Reform Congregation in Durham described gathering with hundreds of people of his congregation for the holiday on Friday night, then waking up to the news of the attacks.
“The Jewish community is so tightly knit, and our devastation is beyond words,” Soffer told The News & Observer on Monday. “Right now it feels like everyone knows someone who is missing, abducted, or murdered by Hamas. More than 700 innocent civilians were slaughtered in a day by Hamas, more than 100 are being held hostage. We stand together in support of Israel, for the safe rescue of the hundreds of hostages, and in prayer for the safety of all innocent civilians across all borders.”
Support for Palestine in Raleigh
A large crowd gathered in Moore Square in Raleigh on Sunday afternoon after 3 p.m. for an “emergency free Palestine” rally, social media posts showed.
The rally was organized by groups that include Jewish Voice for Peace, a national organization that advocates for Palestinian rights and is against Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
Rania Masri, an organizer of the rally who is from Lebanon, said the rally was a response to “apartheid.”
“In no way can we say what is happening now is unprovoked,” Free Palestine Rally organizer Rania Masri told ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner. “What we are witnessing is liberation. It’s a direct response to occupation and apartheid. What we’ve had happen for 75 years is Palestinians have been dispossessed, their homes have been broken and destroyed, their lands have been stolen.”
Rallies to support Israel
Some Jewish community centers in the Triangle are gathering together Monday evening to support the people of Israel.
Here’s what to know.
▪ Greater Raleigh Israel Gathering
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: David R. Kahn Community Campus, 12804 Norwood Road in Raleigh.
More details: The Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh is organizing a “solidarity gathering” for Israel in partnership with several other local Jewish groups and local synagogues.
“Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh stands shoulder to shoulder with Israel as we pray for our families, and friends, and for the safety of Israel,” the group said in a news release.
Public, state and federal government officials will attend the event as well as interfaith partners, according to the Jewish Federation.
▪ Jewish Community Center in Durham
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: The Levin Jewish Community Center, 1937 West Cornwallis Road in Durham.
More details: The Jewish Community Center that houses the Judea Reform Congregation and The Lerner School will organize a gathering in support of Israel.
This story was originally published October 9, 2023 at 4:06 PM with the headline "As a deadly conflict continues in Israel, NC’s Jewish community plans to rally together."
