By Chava Maimon
Since the terror attacks in Israel began over the holiday of Simchat Torah, Keneseth Beth Israel (KBI) has made significant efforts to assist Israel.
Just days after the war began, KBI hosted an outdoor rally and vigil to pray for Israel. A number of psalms were read, led by Rabbi Asher, and several speeches were given. NBC 12 news coverage of the vigil can be found online – www.nbc12.com/2023/10/11/prayer-vigil-held-outside-keneseth-beth-israel-following-hamas-attacks-israel/
Less than a week later, Governor Glenn Youngkin addressed the packed sanctuary to express his heartfelt condolences to the Richmond Jewish community and his dedication to standing with Israel and combating anti-semitism. Nanette Shor also spoke about much-needed funds to assist Israel. A recording of the event can be found on YouTube — www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBa1Y9Mh6iI
During the same week, KBI hosted a community learning and prayer event in conjunction with Rabbi Don Cantor, who leads the Richmond Jewish Learning Experience (RJLE), and the principal of the Yeshiva of Virginia (YVA – boys high school) and Shaarei Torah of Richmond (STOR – girls high school), Rabbi Hal Klestzick.
On October 20, KBI held a bake sale to support Israel; thousands of dollars were raised. A similar event selling challah, soups, entrees, and desserts was held in early November to support the Michael Levin Lone Soldier Foundation. To learn more about Israel’s Lone Soldiers, see the Richmond Times Dispatch article – richmond.com/news/local/israel-hamas-richmond-lone-soldier/article_8aebb666-6dc3-11ee-beee-ff1b8c1999ab.html
At the end of October, KBI was involved in a unique advocacy effort by helping to set up strollers in Monroe Park. Each stroller held a photograph of and information about a child being held hostage by Hamas. To read coverage of this event by the Richmond Times Dispatch and view video footage and images, see their online article – richmond.com/news/local/vigil-in-monroe-park-raises-awareness-for-hostages-taken-in-gaza-conflict/article_dcd214f2-769c-11ee-9a61-f7f46722ff93.html
KBI members have also been urged to contact Virginia senators via email and phone to encourage their efforts in securing the release of Israeli hostages, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who grew up in the Richmond community before making aliyah (moving to Israel) with his family. Hersh’s parents have directly requested that the community contact our senators to push for the release of all hostages. The morning of October 31 held a worldwide Zoom session for all of the activists working on the release of the hostages so that efforts could be combined and maximized.
Bob Marcellus partnered with the Attorney General to send more than a million dollars’ worth of lifesaving donations to the IDF. Sourced from most of the Virginia Sheriff departments, Mr. Marcellus joined Rabbi Asher, elected officials, among others, at the Attorney General Building on November 1st for a live public send-off of the duffels being sent to Israel. For more details, see NBC 12’s article –
www.nbc12.com/2023/10/18/virginia-is-first-state-collect-surplus-tactical-gear-israel/
The following day, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond hosted a Grand Response event – jewishrichmond.regfox.com/grand-event-2023 – at the Altria Theater a number of speakers, including Yehuda Kurtzer, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute. The Institute – www.hartman.org.il/about-the-hartman-institute/ is a “leading center of Jewish thought and education, serving Israel and North America.”
KBI recruited its membership for this important community unity event. A total of more than 400 people attended from all segments of the community.
May the release of all hostages and peace within Israel be swiftly secured.
