Rabbi Seth Sternstein of Temple El Emeth in Liberty speaks about the outbreak of war in Israel at a vigil on Sunday.

LIBERTY — Hundreds from the local Jewish community and others came together Sunday evening for a vigil and prayers for those in Israel dealing with terrorist attacks and the outbreak of war over the weekend.

More than 150 people gathered Sunday at Temple El Emeth, where local Jewish officials and rabbis spoke of their concerns for those in Israel, which includes many family and friends of local residents.

The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation hosted the vigil in conjunction with Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom and Temple El Emeth.

Reports state the conflict between Israel and Hamas has proven to be the most deadly in recent history, with more than 1,000 people killed by some counts, including 700 Israelis and 400 Palestinians.

Bonnie Deutsch Burdman, executive director / community relations / government affairs for the local Jewish federation, said the gathering was to pray for the safety of the people of Israel and those taken hostage by the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza.

“We pray that Israel gets through this most horrific time in its existence. Many have said this is the worst thing that has happened to Israel since its inception. They are calling this Israel’s 9/11,” Burdman said.

She said Jewish people around the world are “heartsick.”

“We will stand for Israel always. We are praying for peace. Israel is under an unprovoked attack. The Palestinian people have been betrayed by their own leadership. The Hamas is bent on the destruction of Israel,” Burdman said.

Kobi Sigler who serves as assistant principal at Akiva Academy, said his family, including parents and siblings, are in Israel.

“This has been tearing us apart. It is very hard to be here while they are all in Israel. There is a lot of frustration that we can’t help or are limited on what we can do. I want to do something to help them,” Sigler said.

He said he appreciates that American officials are supporting Israel.

Maayan Sigler said their young children are asking what is happening and why.

“They ask me, ‘Why do people do that? Why are they behaving like that?’ I could not find the answers,” she said.

RABBIS’ CONCERNS

Rabbi Seth Sternstein of Temple El Emeth

said the terrorists “have made a despicable attempt to erase the Jewish state.”

He said people in the United States know of terrorism because of 9 /11.

“There is an icy fear that ensues when your beloved country is under attack. Tonight people of good will and peace come together to pray for the vanquishing of absolute evil and for lasting peace for Israel,” Sternstein said.

Rabbi Courtney Berman of Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom said it is important to come together to support the worldwide Jewish community,

“The whole Jewish community is in pain because of what is happening right now in Israel. Our hearts break for what is happening,” Berman said.

Andy Lipkin, assistant executive director of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, said the situation in Israel is “unimaginable.”

“When Israel is under attack, our local Jewish community will respond. We will do whatever needs to be done and what we can for our loved ones and friends in Israel,” Lipkin said.

The United States has deployed warships to the region.