COLUMBIA, S.C. — Columbia residents are rallying to provide aid to civilians affected by the recent attack on Israel by Hamas militants in Gaza.
Rabbi Jonathan Case of Beth Shalom Synagogue expressed the heartbreak felt in the Jewish community and around the world.
"This has been an extraordinarily painful week for me and for everyone in the Jewish community and throughout the world,” he said.
Rabbi Case said that adding to the pain is rising anti-semitism.
“My reaction? Utter pain. Like a knife cutting through me,” said Case.
The devastation abroad hits close to home for Rabbi Case, who emphasized the strong ties between the local community and Israel.
"There are very few people in this community and congregation who do not have friends and family living in Israel right now,” said Case.
Case said the Jewish community is sharing stories of those in Columbia with friends and family in Israel who are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones, some of whom have been abducted.
"And those people have stories about people who have been abducted and are waiting frantically to find out information about what has happened to them, are just waiting for some possible good news and fearing the worst,” said Case.
As the conflict unfolds thousands of miles away, Columbia residents are uniting to assist people affected by the crisis.
"It's also we don't want to feel here in America like we are doing nothing. We need to feel like we are participating in the healing of a country that is going to be going through the throes of healing for a very long time, for ourselves,” said Case.
The Columbia Jewish Federation is at the forefront of Israeli fundraising efforts. According to President Kenneth Berger, 100% of the donations will be directed to support Israel's emergency response.
"Thousands of dollars have been raised right here in Columbia, and we intend to raise hundreds of thousands more," Berger said. "Unfortunately, when tragedy strikes, it's one of the things that brings people together.”
Rabbi Case encouraged everyone, regardless of their faith, to perform mitzvahs or good deeds to contribute to healing a world that seems more broken now than ever.
"To go out into the world and look for opportunities to mend a broken world, and God knows it feels more broken now than ever," Case said.
Berger and Case also encourage non-Jewish people to educate themselves on the conflict and reach out to the Jewish community.
“This isn't a time for ambivalence. It's not a time to equivocate. It's a time to denounce terror, to denounce barbarism, to denounce Hamas, and to stand strongly with Israel,” said Berger.
To make a donation to help Israel visit the Columbia Jewish Federation's website.
Berger said more vigils are planned in the coming days to show support for those affected by the crisis.
“Hamas has no intention of stopping attacks on Israel and has no intention of recognizing Israel. And because of that, we will continue to see solidarity events and rallies on behalf of Israel and the protection and defense of its citizens,” said Berger.