Dear Friends-

Once again, on a holy day of the Jewish calendar, the people of Israel have come under attack. Once again, the brave military forces of the State of Israel are responding and will defend our beloved Jewish state. And once again the Jewish communities of North America and our San Diego community stand in total and complete solidarity with our Israeli family. We pray for their safety.

This horrific attack by Hamas, which included rocket fire and multiple terrorist incursions across Central and Southern Israel and in Sha’ar HaNegev, has had terrible consequences in our partner region. Our dear friend, Mayor Ofir Libstein z”l’ was killed in a gun battle with Hamas terrorists early this morning. We are devastated by this loss. He was an extraordinary partner and friend to the two of us and to the San Diego Jewish community. He died bravely defending not just his family and his kibbutz, but also Israel and the Jewish people.

We mourn for his family and friends, and for all those harmed in this act of war. We are waiting to learn details of additional casualties and other acts of terror and the situation is ongoing and highly volatile. This was a very dark day in Sha’ar HaNegev, and in Israel, and it is far from over.

We are in close contact with our friends in Sh’ar HaNegev and will keep you all updated as we learn more. In the meantime we know the needs will be great for the families impacted, and those living in Sha’ar HaNegev, and we have opened a mailbox for those who wish to support our friends. We are assessing the situation in partnership with the leadership of the municipality and will make sure all dollars donated go directly to the areas of greatest need.

We will hold a community vigil this Tuesday night at 7:00 on the field at the JCC, in memory of Ofir, and in support of Sha’ar HaNegev and of Israel.

The prayer for the State of Israel we recite in synagogue every week - including this morning - says ונתת שלום בארץ ושמחת עולם ליושביה - “Grant peace in the land and happiness to all its residents.” On this day, which is the holiday of Simchat Torah in Israel - we literally sing and dance with simcha - with happiness. Today is not a day of simcha in Israel, but it is a day of solidarity, determination and utmost seriousness. Israel will prevail and the Jewish people will stand together as we always so.

Am Yisrael Chai.

Heidi Gantwerk and David Bark