People from across North Texas gathered at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas Tuesday night for a community-wide solidary gathering for Israel. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and several members of the city council joined with those offering support for the local Jewish community after the attack by Hamas on Israel.
"We grieve with Israel. We grieve here in Dallas. We grieve with Jews and with our larger community, our friends and families," President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Igor Alterman said. "The Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas stands in unwavering, unconditional support of Israel, recognizing its inherent right to protect every citizen and every person that lives there."
Johnson spoke to the crowd about a resolution in support of Israel on Tuesday's City Council agenda.
"We can't directly impact foreign affairs. What the Dallas City Council can do is take a strong stand with Israel against barbarism, against terrorism, against antisemitism...against all the -isms," he said.
People at the event said they appreciated the public show of support.
"It's remarkable, but not surprising how the Jewish community in Dallas and all over the world has pulled together to support the poor Israelis who have been terrified and have had barbaric actions taken against them," said Ken Goldberg, who serves on the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Committee.
Local organizations have already begun raising funds to help people in Israel affected by the war.
"Our support is already ensuring that people in Israel can receive financial aid. There is access to temporary housing for those that were displaced," Alterman said. "Thanks to the generosity of lead donors, I'm honored to share that we have secured a $250,000 match for every dollar donated at our campaign. I urge every single one of you - show your solidarity and contribute to the Dallas Israel Emergency Community Campaign to provide those affected the strength and the ability to respond to the critical needs in Israel right now."
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