Hundreds gather in Providence to pray for war-torn Israel

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A community vigil for Israel on Monday night brought hundreds out to the Dwares Jewish community center in Providence.

Politicians, religious leaders, and community members gathered to remember more than 1,000 people lost in this weekend’s attack and counter attacks.

Members with the Jewish Association of Greater Rhode Island offered a prayer in mourning for those 900 Israelis and Palestinians lost.

While the battle is more than 5,000 miles away, attendees said they’re all feeling it first hand.

“They realized there was a war only when my brother and some of my cousins were all called to the reserves in the north and the south. Today, I hear that my sisters-in-law’s cousin is one of the victims who got murdered,” Tal Ginsburg said.

Elihay Skital also expressed her fear for her loved ones.

“My brother is in the reserve, and I can’t even explain the worry, the stress, the roller coaster of emotions that we feel,” Skital said.

Monday’s vigil saw a massive share of prominent Rhode Island political figures, including Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Gov. Dan McKee.

“I want to say loud and clear tonight, Rhode Island stands with the people of Israel, and condemns these terrorist attacks by Hamas. And make no mistake, such atrocities are deserving of condemnation worldwide,” said McKee.

Each speaker at the vigil made calls to action in the wake of the tragic attacks.

“The head of the serpent must be cut off — we cannot allow the state of Israel to continue under the sword of terror for years and years to come,” Consul General of New England, Meron Reuben concluded.