- The vigil will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday
- Organizers say all are welcome to attend
- The federation also has launched a fundraising campaign for relief efforts
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley will hold a prayer vigil Tuesday night in the wake of the Hamas attacks on Israel.
It is set for 7 to 8 p.m. in the auditorium of the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22nd St.
“Our hearts are shattered as we continue to watch the news and see our brothers and sisters in Israel in the midst of war,” the federation said in a statement.
“Now, more than ever, it is critical that we come together and publicly display our love and support of Israel and the people who live there.”
About 300 to 500 people are expected, led by members of the Lehigh Valley Jewish clergy, said Aaron Gorodzinsky, director of campaign and security planning for the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
He said everyone is welcome to attend.
“This is the most significant attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” Gorodzinsky said. “When the tally is counted, probably more than 1,000 Israelis will have died in the attacks in one day.”
"Since the moment it took place the community has been looking to gather and mourn together the loss of life – a public hug."Aaron Gorodzinsky, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
Israel made a formal declaration of war Sunday after a surprise weekend attack by Hamas. On Monday, Israel increased airstrikes on the Gaza Strip as the war’s death toll rose to nearly 1,600 on both sides.
Gorodzinsky said many Jews remain in a state of shock and disbelief.
“We have families, friends, people who know people — no Israeli went unaffected,” he said. “This is an issue that has deeply affected the Jewish community.
"Since the moment it took place, the community has been looking to gather and mourn together the loss of life — a public hug. It’s very important for us to be together and to hold a prayer service for everybody.”
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley also has launched a fundraising campaign for relief efforts.
