Dear Members of the Greater Nashville Jewish Community,

We normally do not send out messages on Shabbat and holidays, but today requires that we reach out to you as soon as possible.

Hamas began a war with Israel this morning. Its terrorist operatives attacked via land, air and sea, on the holiday of Simchat Torah / Shabbat, and on the date of the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war.

As of this writing, over 100 Israeli civilians have been murdered, hundreds upon hundreds wounded, and there are reports of many more who have been taken hostage.

Israel is responding and is mobilizing reserve units for war.

This is the time to stand with Israel and its people and to put all differences aside. To send messages to your Israeli friends and family – both those living in Israel and those living here in Nashville – letting them know you have their backs. To pray for a speedy and decisive victory in this war.

There will be more to come in the coming days. For now, let us stand resolute and united as a community.

Od Lo Avda Tikvateinu -- Our Hope is Not Yet Lost that one day we’ll be able to live as a free nation in our land -- the land of Zion and Jerusalem.

Am Yisrael Chai! -- The nation of Israel lives!

Rabbi Dan Horwitz, CEO

Tennessee Lawmakers, organizations speak out after Israel attack

Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville to hold rally after attack on Israel

Nashville Jewish community responds to attacks in Israel