HOUSTON – Across the world, the Jewish community is reeling from the devastating loss of six Israeli hostages who were found dead in Gaza over the weekend.
In a statement, President Joe Biden said the victims were killed by Hamas.
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For nearly a year, supporters kept hope alive that Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sgt. Ori Danino would come home.
Members of J-HYPE (Jewish Houston Young Professionals Experience) will host a memorial service for the hostages Tuesday night. The group often holds gatherings to connect with each other. Rabbi Johnny Ouzzan, J-HYPE’S director, said that tonight will be an opportunity to process this profound loss.
“So many of us prayed and came together in the hopes that they would be returned. I think it was very shocking. It was very traumatic. And I think it’s important for us to come together as a community and express our feelings and reflect on what’s going on, to try to lend perspective on this and move forward, and be there for one another,” Rabbi Ouzzan said.
This news has taken a severe mental toll on many in the Jewish community. At Tuesday night’s service there will be music, prayers, and a psychologist on hand to help attendees cope with their grief.
“We are all family, and we’re all grieving together in this difficult moment.”
If you would like to find out more about the event, click here.