London, Ont., Jewish community gathers to pray for coming days as Israel-Hamas conflict escalates

Hundreds of people from London's Jewish community gathered Tuesday to mourn people killed in the most recent Middle East conflict, and to pray for the coming days as the war between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate.

The London Jewish Community Centre was filled with people who came together to support each other as they navigate feelings of helplessness and uncertainty while being so far away from loved ones in Israel. 

"There's just absolute worry and fear and we're really struggling to find hope," said Rabbi Debra Dressler of the Temple Israel of London. 

"There's a lot of reaching out and not really knowing how to navigate a complex social situation here because there are many sides to these complex issues, and there are a lot of people who are vulnerable with lots of civilians on both sides. Part of that is navigating that concern while prioritizing Israel's need for our support right now."

Jewish leaders from various organizations throughout the country spoke at the event as Rabbis lead prayers for peace and the safety of civilians that are being held hostage. Mayor Josh Morgan and city councillors were also in attendance.

In its fifth day, the war has claimed more than 2,000 lives, according to authorities from both Israel and Palestine. Israel saw gun battles in the streets of its towns for the first time in decades and neighbourhoods in Gaza were flattened by Israeli forces. Thousands have been wounded on both sides. 

Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza are holding more than 150 soldiers and civilians taken hostage on Saturday. The attack caught Israel's military and intelligence apparatus off guard.

Also worried for their families back home are Londoners with ties to Gaza, such as Mohammed Sharim. "We have friends and family back home and we feel scared to hear news of death," he said. "I'm very worried about the the next days." 

For Londoner Erica Reshef, the situation brings back painful memories of two wars she and her husband have survived during their time living in Israel, along with what her parents experienced as they survived the Holocaust.

"It's unbelievable. I was shocked and horrified and it triggered a lot of things for us," she said, emphasizing the importance of community support and praying together for peace. 

Reshef recalled having to take her young children to the bomb shelter in their house, which is what she said her family, including her cousins, nephews, and grandchildren who are in Israel, now have to do. 

'A living nightmare'

The rapidly unfolding situation feels like "a living nightmare and a horror movie playing out in real life," said Justin Eisen and Maya Wolfman, both 21.

"We're just praying for everyone's safety and health. We've been able to communicate with our family and friends and everyone is safe for now, but who knows how long that will last," said Wolfman.

Living life as usual is hard knowing what loved ones are going through, Eisen said. Last summer, he volunteered with the Magen David Adom — Israel's national emergency medical service. 

"It's been particularly tough to see all the people I know and worked with last summer face all this and being the heroes they need to be while going through this," he said.

It's important for different communities to come together for the sake of humanity, Dressler said.  

"We have to care about all the death destruction and we need to be there for each other. It's going to be a long process."