Gathering tonight in support of Israel

Gathering tonight in support of Israel

Dear Friends,

The news from Israel continues to worsen as more innocent lives are lost and the reign of terror continues. The situation is dire and heartbreaking. We are all connected and we feel it. We have many community members who are Israeli and/or have family members and dear friends in Israel. We are one worldwide Jewish family and our children are suffering and dying. At this painful, frightening and heartbreaking time there are still things we, as a Jewish community, can do to alleviate some of the suffering. Please, if you know someone who has family and friends in Israel, reach out to them with comfort and see how they are doing.

This week there will be two community vigils to gather together in solidarity with Israel, but also to pray and to mourn. Flyers for each event are copied below. Please join me, if you can, at the Chabad Community Candlelight Vigil tonight,10/10 at 6:00 pm in Newington.

On Wednesday evening, 10/11, Jewish Federation of NH and all local synagogues are sponsoring a vigil at 6:00 pm at the NH Statehouse in Concord.

At a future date tba, Temple Israel will host a community gathering for sharing and prayer.

Details for Tuesday & Wednesday vigils

Below you will find additional suggestions for needed donations and political action you can take to encourage our elected officials to respond to this crisis. 

Donations & Actions Needed

Jewish Federations of North America are preparing to provide critical care and support in Israel to those affected. They have opened an emergency fund to support these efforts.

They have also set up an online email template to make it easy to urge elected officials and representatives to support Israel.

United Hatzalah is an Israeli volunteer EMS organization, first responders to medical emergencies across Israel. They are in need of donations to equip an additional 1,000 United Hatzalah volunteers with protective vests and helmets, oxygen tanks, defibrillators, trauma bandages, and tourniquets. Their medics are on the front line and in need of support and reinforcements as they respond to lifesaving calls.

A Prayer for the State of Israel

Avinu she’bashamayim–You who are high above all nation-states and peoples, Rock of Israel, the One who has saved us and preserved us over thousands of years, bless the State of Israel. Be her loving shield, a shelter of lasting peace. Guide her leaders and advisors by Your light of wisdom and truth; instruct them with good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend the innocent. Deliver them from danger; crown their efforts with success. Send physical, emotional and spiritual healing to all those who have been injured. Protect and sustain those who have been taken hostage. Be with all those whose lives have been upended, with those who now grieve the loss of their dearest loved ones.  Reveal to all a healing path forward, toward solace, serenity and peace for the entire land and all her inhabitants. 

With prayers for peace,
Rabba Kaya

Recap: Monday’s vigil in Boston

Thousands gather on Boston Common in show of support for Israel amid war with Hamas
By Lindsey Thorpe, Boston 25 News Staff and Rebecca Turco, Boston 25 News
October 09, 2023 at 5:56 pm EDT

BOSTON — Several thousand Boston-area Jews, Israeli-Americans, and supporters crowded the common to show support for Israel two days after Hamas launched its surprise attack from Gaza.

Thousands stood on the grass on Monday afternoon around the Parkman Bandstand and carried the white and blue flag of Israel.

Gov. Maura Healey, Sen. Ed Markey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu were among those leading the rally, which was organized by groups including Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Israeli American Council of New England and Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston.