Vigils, rallies, fundraisers and support groups: How Jewish Americans are responding to Hamas’ attack on Israel
American Jews are banding together to send support to Israelis and to comfort each other
Pro-Israel supporters at a counter-protest in New York City on Oct. 9, in the wake of Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Hamas’ attack on Israel on Saturday has so far led to the deaths of more than 900 Israelis — more than 100 have been abducted. American Jews have been organizing vigils, support circles and fundraisers to aid Israelis hurt in the attacks, but also to share their own fears as the war continues.
Our colleagues at JTA have assembled a list of nonprofits accepting donations. And here is a sampling of events and resources.
TUESDAY, OCT. 10
New York
Solidarity rally organized by the UJA-Federation of New York, 5 p.m. at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza in Manhattan.
Tri-Municipal Vigil for the State of Israel at 5:30 p.m. in Mamaroneck.
New Jersey
Solidarity rally organized by the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, the ADL and other groups. 6:30 p.m. at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades. There will be a security checkpoint and no bags will be permitted.
Georgia
Solidarity gathering organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta at 7:15 p.m. Registration is required.
California
Vigil for Israel organized by the Jewish Federation of San Diego at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Family JCC.
Florida
Israel solidarity gathering, at 6 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton, Florida. Limited seating, registration and government identification required. Join here on zoom.
Israel solidarity rally at 6 p.m. at the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach.
Washington, D.C.
Vigil for Israel, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the ADL and other groups. 7 p.m. at Congregation Adas Israel, in-person and livestream.
Connecticut
Community solidarity gathering at Temple Beth El in Stamford at 6 p.m., in-person and online.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11
Florida
Israel solidarity gathering, at 7 p.m. at Temple Torat Emet in Boynton Beach, Florida. Registration and photo ID are required, and no bags are allowed.
Colorado
Community vigil organized by the Boulder JCC, the ADL and other groups at 6 p.m. at Congregation Har HaShem
SUPPORT
Jewish Social Service Agency is hosting two virtual community support circles on October 11 at 7 p.m. and on October 13 at 12 p.m. Registration is required.
Hillel International offers guidance for vigils and prayers, prompts and proverbs for self-care.
A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse..
Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO
