CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Jewish organization in Charlotte is reacting to the Israeli-Hamas war that started this past weekend.
Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte Israel & Global Jewry Associate Noah Goldman visited Israel two weeks ago. He said the cities he visited are now scenes of war after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on Saturday.
“It was a surprise attack. It could’ve happened at any moment,” Goldman said.
According to Israeli media, as of Monday the death toll in Israel was 900 people.
“It felt like a bad nightmare to see the scenes and the stories that Hamas is doing to innocent civilians and starting this cruel, brutal war,” Goldman said.
Israel declared war on Hamas, responding to the attack with airstrikes.
“Israel has a duty as any nation to protect its citizens,” Goldman said.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 680 Palestinians have been killed.
Goldman said Hamas launched the attack and tragically Palestinians have been caught in the middle.
“It cannot be forgotten that this wasn’t started by Israel, that Hamas launched the attack and very tragically it is innocents who suffer. In this happening, we pray the Israeli military does all it can to minimize civilian casualties as much as possible,” Goldman said.
Goldman, who is Jewish, has family in Israel and has been communicating with them to ensure they are safe.
“Many of them have to go into bomb shelter many times,” Goldman said.
Goldman said other members of the community have family in Israel as well.
“We are worried, they are worried. We know people who know people who are still missing,” Goldman said.
On Monday, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte is supporting those affected with a vigil.
“I believe in this community. I believe Israel would do what it can to protect its citizens,” Goldman said.
The Jewish Federations of North America is raising funds to protect victims, helping rebuild damaged infrastructure and addressing trauma caused by the attack.
Other groups across the state on Monday night and over the weekend rallied to support Palestinians and Israelis impacted by the war.
On Sunday, the Party for Socialism and Liberation gathered at Raleigh Moore Square, calling for an end to the blockade on Gaza and full liberation of Palestinian people.