Together with Israel

Just 72 hours after the worst terrorist attack in the history of Israel and the largest loss of Jewish lives in a single day since the Shoah, the Chicago Jewish community stood together to grieve, to pray, to unite, and to pledge their ironclad support for the people of Israel. More than 2,000 people-including nearly two dozen elected officials-came out Tuesday, Oct. 10 for the JUF-hosted solidarity gathering at Northshore Congregation Israel in Glencoe.

What follows are excerpts from those who spoke:

Wendy Berger, Chair of Jewish Community Relations Council

“It is out of love that we gather here to mourn the murdered, support the injured and abducted, and raise up those fighting for peace and security. We are here to send a message across Chicago, across the nation, and across this world that Chicago stands with Israel, today, tomorrow, and always.”

Rabbi Wendi Geffen, North Shore Congregation Israel

“From here to Eretz Yisrael is 6,208 miles–so far away. But at this moment, far away seems so close that we can feel it pressing up against our heart so hard that it aches… Is there such a thing as distance when it comes to our own? …We belong to one another through the deepest yearnings of our souls and this day through the very beating of our collective broken heart. “

Yinam Cohen, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest.

“Many of you have reached out to us asking what more you can do for Israel…your love is the biggest support we can get now…Your support is important now, but will become even more crucial in the next days and weeks as Israel continues to fight to establish security in our southern border. Please continue to speak out to maintain more clarity.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker, State of Illinois

“To anyone who thinks otherwise, let me be clear: There are many peace-loving Palestinians and we must honor them, but Hamas is a terrorist organization, an army of murderers backed by Iran…Executing innocent children and the elderly? Well, there’s a special kind of hell for that…For 75 years, the people of Israel have survived and thrived from ingenuity and grit, most of the time by overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. With America at its side, Israel has proven to the world time and again that unity and purpose will always persevere over hate and destruction.”

Susana A. Mendoza, Illinois Comptroller

“Israel did not invite or provoke this war. The hundreds of young people reveling in music when they were brutally massacred-they did not invite or provoke this war. The innocent women, children, and elderly peacefully asleep in their homes when they were assaulted, murdered, or taken hostage-they did not invite or provoke this war. Barbaric Hamas terrorists started this war, and Israel will prevail and live on. Am Yisrael Chai!”

Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10)

“It is on us that Israel has everything she needs to win this war, to protect her citizens, and to make sure that Jews in Israel can live in peace. To that end, I am pleased to share…a bipartisan resolution supporting Israel, condemning Hamas, and committing to Israel that we will provide the support Israel needs, was introduced in the House with more than 300 co-sponsors, including every Jewish member. At the same time, with my colleague [U.S. Rep.] Claudia Tenney, I introduced legislation calling for $2 billion dollars made available to Israel to replenish Iron Dome.”

Lonnie Nasatir, JUF President

“We are a people that has said Kaddish too many times, and today we are mourning the loss of the unspeakable number of Israelis who have been murdered. We are also praying for our Israeli brothers and sisters who have been injured…for those who have been taken captive…and for those who are so bravely defending our Jewish State. But this community will transform our rage and sorrow into action-and deepen our commitment to stand with Israel, now and forever!”

Rabbi Leonard Matanky, K.I.N.S of West Rogers Park & Dean, Ida Crown Jewish Academy

We are joined today by Mrs. Leah Polin, grandmother of Hersch Goldberg-Polin who is missing and unaccounted for in southern Israel. Hersh’s parents, Ida Crown Jewish Academy alums, Jonathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg, are anxiously awaiting word about their son. Our prayers are with them, and all of their families impacted by this terrible war.

Rabbi Michael Schwab, North Suburban Synagogue Beth El & President, Chicago Board of Rabbis

“As we grapple with the enormity of the horror of the last few days, our hearts break at the terror faced by those young men and women whose duty it is to defend our people and the land of Israel against such vicious attacks. We marvel at their courage and we pray to send them strength and blessings for safety and health.”

To donate to JUF’s Israel Emergency Fund, visit here .