This weekend, terrorists from the organization Hamas launched a large-scale attack on the country of Israel. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, at least 600 people have been killed in the attacks.
Here’s a look at how the San Francisco Bay Area’s Jewish organizations are responding to the war.
San Francisco JCC
The San Francisco JCC called Sunday a “heartbreaking day.” In an email, the JCC said “War has been declared and there is bound to be mounting casualties and additional suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians. We are heartbroken by this devastating news, and we pray for all that have been or will be affected.”
The JCC is holding an event of solidarity. They say “All Jewish community members, organizations, and allies are welcome for a Bay Area Jewish Community Gathering for Israel on Sunday, October 8 at 11:30 am at Congregation Sherith Israel (2266 California Street in San Francisco).”
The JCRC, Bay Area
The JCRC of the Bay Area, which recently held an event dedicated to combating antisemitism in the Bay Area, wrote in an email that “We unequivocally condemn this terror campaign and are unwavering in our support for Israel’s right to defend its citizens. We thank the Biden Administration, world leaders, and our California and Bay Area leaders and friends for speaking out to stand with the people of Israel during this difficult time.”
Women of Reform Judaism Pacific District
Carol Schuster, President of the Pacific District of the Women of Reform Judaism, wrote in an email “
WRJ Pacific District stands with Israel and the Reform Movement in condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel. We wish for strength and safety for the commanders and soldiers of the IDF, the security and rescue services, and all the people in Israel.
We are shocked and sickened by this attack on Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, just a day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, and pray for a peaceful resolution.”
We will update this article with more information as organizations continue to release their statements. If you are a Bay Area Jewish organization with a statement about the war, email it to tom@bayareatelegraph.com
