Vigils Held for Israeli Hostages Killed in Gaza

Vigils held across the U.S. honored six Israeli hostages, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who were killed by Hamas as the ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to impact the Jewish community. In Washington, D.C., community leaders and family members gathered at Adas Israel Congregation to express grief and solidarity, emphasizing the need for support amid the protracted war. Similar gatherings occurred in New York City, Syracuse, and at Harvard, where attendees lit candles and called for the release of remaining hostages. The Israeli military reported that the hostages' bodies were found in a tunnel, heightening calls for protests in Israel demanding a cease-fire. The emotional toll of the hostages' deaths resonated deeply within the Jewish community, as families and supporters grapple with the ongoing violence and uncertainty. Over 100 hostages are still unaccounted for, underscoring the urgency for action and unity within the community.