There was a vigil in Bel-Air for victims of Saturday’s massive Hamas attack against Israel. The attack has claimed hundreds of lives and sparked a war between Israel and one of its long-time enemies. Police departments in Los Angeles County have increased security and patrols around Jewish and Muslim institutions in response.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) acknowledged the turmoil in the Middle East and expressed their condolences for lives lost. They announced that extra patrols would be conducted in areas where both Jewish and Muslim communities reside to ensure the safety of all.
The Santa Monica Police Department’s watch commander confirmed that they have directed extra patrols to Jewish institutions in response to the news of the attack. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also stated that they would be increasing activity and coordinating with federal and local law enforcement partners.
In Beverly Hills, the police department released a statement declaring that security and patrols around Jewish institutions have been heightened. The department continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in the region to prioritize public safety.
The Vigil for Israel in Bel-Air was co-sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles and The Board of Rabbis of Southern California. More than 80 organizations supported the program, which took place at Stephen Wise Temple.
The vigil aimed to honor the memory of innocent Israelis who lost their lives and to pray for peace and the safe return of those kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. The event was streamed online at wisela.org/Online.
Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the tragic events have occurred before and expressing the need for unity. He acknowledged the pain carried by the Jewish community and stressed that the blame for pogroms and antisemitism cannot be placed on themselves, but rather on the perpetrators of hatred.
Additional speakers at the vigil, including Jewish educator Jenni Alpert, Israeli Consul General Israel Bachar, and Rabbi Noah Farkas, shared their perspectives and called for solidarity and support for Israel during this challenging time.
Local elected officials, such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, attended the event and expressed their unwavering support for Israel. They lit candles and vowed to stand together with strength and resolve.
Elected leaders across the Southland and the United States condemned the attack, and major airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, announced the temporary suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv.
The attack occurred during the weeklong Jewish festival of Sukkot, catching Israel off-guard as Hamas forces fired rockets and infiltrated various locations, resulting in casualties and the capture of Israeli soldiers and civilians.
The fighting led to the deaths of hundreds of Israeli military personnel and citizens, along with several hundred Palestinians. The conflict coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War and highlighted the ongoing land dispute between Israel and Palestine.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles condemned the attacks and pledged its support for Israel. They established an emergency fund to assist the victims.
Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA and the Muslim Public Affairs Council both provided their perspectives on the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the importance of understanding the history and underlying issues that fuel the ongoing violence.
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