POUGHKEEPSIE – The Jewish Federation of Dutchess County held a “Community Solidarity Vigil” Thursday evening in response to the Hamas attack on Israel that has escalated into war. Hamas soldiers broke through Israel’s famed defense systems on October 7, 2023, and began attacking civilians and kidnapping others.
The Hamas assault was denounced by countries around the globe. In Poughkeepsie, the Jewish Federation of Dutchess County partnered with several Jewish organizations in holding a vigil at the Temple Beth-El in Poughkeepsie. More than 400 people, from all faiths, joined religious and elected leaders in calling for peace in Gaza. The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department and representatives of the New York State Police sent uniformed officers to provide safety during the vigil. No direct threats had been received and the officers were present to provide an added level of safety and security, according to City of Poughkeepsie Police Captain Rich Wilson.
Hamas militants attacked Israel at Dan on October 7, firing more than 6,000 rockets into Israel. Rockets, supplemented by Hamas soldiers have killed more than 1,500 Israelis, wounded more than 3,000, and kidnapped approximately 150 Israeli civilians and soldiers.
the Federation’s Executive Director, Karen Hochhauser told Mid-Hudson News that the unprovoked attacks are “absolutely shocking and horrific.” Noting that Israel is the same size as the state of New Jersey, she put things in perspective. “Imagine 6,000 rockets being dumped on the state of New Jersey.” Comparing the 3,300 injured Jews and 1,300 murdered Israelis to the population of the United States, Hochhauser said it would be equal to 40,000 Americans being killed. “That’s 10,000 more than live here in the City of Poughkeepsie. Imagine the entire City of Poughkeepsie being wiped out.” The executive director noted that of the 150 hostages, many are children as young as six months old and one is a…
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