Jewish community leaning on each other for support

Indianapolis, Indiana – The Jewish community is receiving assistance in navigating the battle on an emotional and spiritual level since Hamas’ onslaught on Israel.

Many people’s lives have been affected by the attacks in Israel, and the Jewish community in Indianapolis has taken action to find hope amidst the conflict.

“There’s so much to do still. Even though it’s been a week. This is not going away,” said Marc Swatez, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis.

“This was a really horrible thing. My grandparents were Holocaust survivors. I lost a great deal of my family in the Holocaust, and this was the single biggest day of mass murder against the Jews since then,” said Swatez.

According to Swatez, the last few days have been quite painful.

“I know people who were killed in the massacre. I know people who were taken hostage in this crisis and I know people who have been called up to military service. Friends of my children, relatives of mine who are now serving in the Israeli military,” said Swatez.

Even though it’s simple to feel defeated, Swatez claims that they have discovered communal support.

“The last thing you want to do is sit here in Indianapolis and feel helpless, so giving money. We’ve gathered together as a community, formally as a broad community, to show comfort for one another, going to synagogue,” said Swatez.

People from all throughout the state have sent them encouraging notes, according to Swatez.

“The mayor came out to our community gathering, a whole lot of senators came to our community gathering. Governor Holcomb lowered the flag, at the capital, he raised the Israeli flag over the residents. I mean, it’s just been tremendous how people have come out to support the Jewish community,” said Swatez.

As the fighting rages on, Swatez feels it’s critical to remain united.

“This was just a brutal, brutal event that shouldn’t happen. It’s so dehumanizing, and anything that we can do to help is what we ought to do. We have an obligation to do,” said Swatez.

During these trying times, the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis is requesting that people continue to offer support.