Community members came together Wednesday night in Polk County to show support for Israel after the deadly terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas. Upwards of 200 people filled up Temple Emanuel of Lakeland for an indoor rally to condemn Hamas and show support for the Jewish people.
Through song and speaking, faith leaders, law enforcement, and the Polk County community came together to show support for Israel.
Its unity that local Jewish leaders said comes as comfort.
“Israel has to eliminate Hamas once and for all,” Temple of Emanuel Lakeland Rabbi David Goldstein said.
People came with Israeli flags in hand and signs showing support for the country.
“This is a war between light and darkness. Between good or ultimate evil. If you don’t know which side you are on. You are part of the problem,” Temple Emanuel of Lakeland President Shelley Robinson said.
“I have cousins in Israel. I have a lot of friends in Israel. All of their children have been called up into active duty,” said Rabbi Yossi Laster with the Etz Chayim Messianic Synagogue
As they gathered, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told the media that they were also monitoring potential threats to the Jewish community.
“There are people all over the world, and the United States is no exception, that want to hurt the Jewish people,” said Judd.
Judd added that the sheriff’s office is prepared to act if necessary.
“We have systems and processes in place supporting the Jewish community and all of the community. It’s nothing new,” said Judd, “There’s law enforcement officers and procedures you see and there’s law enforcement procedures that you don’t see until an emergency arises.”
“I would like to express my condolences to those who have lost loved ones or been impacted by the terrorists. You and your families are in my prayers,” Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor said.
Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian church leaders along with Buddhists and other religious figures all came together to show support for the Jewish people.
“An attack against Israel is an attack against all God’s people. Hamas will never be satisfied. They will never stop until someone permanently stops every one of them,” Sheriff Judd said.