Support for Israel: LA’s Jewish community holds vigil, protest over Hamas attacks

9 Americans killed in Israel

Nine Americans are among the deceased in the devastating attacks in Israel.

LOS ANGELES - Ever since that first attack by Hamas and the following declaration of war by Israel, supporters of Israel have been coming out in full force, not only in Los Angeles but across the country.

Last night, they gathered in a prayer vigil to remember the hundreds of victims killed in the war between Israel and Hamas. It was held at the Steven Weiss Temple in Bel Air. The temple was packed amidst heavier than normal security, a visible reminder of the rise in anti-Semitism here in the United States and of fears that this war could fuel even more.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of people gathered in protest at the federal building in West LA as the Israeli community joined by supporters, including those who drove by in their cars, honking their horns as a show of support.

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Among the crowd, was a young man who had just returned from Israel yesterday. His friends are now among the many that are missing. He fears they've been kidnapped or even worse, killed. Many others echoed his fears and his sadness.

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"I served in Gaza," he added.

"We never imagined this would happen. It's mind-blowing for me," an unidentified individual commented.

"Mind-blowing. Seeing all those videos of how they are proud of slaughtering," remarked another.

LA's Jewish community holds protests over Hamas attacks

These events have sparked additional rallies and vigils scheduled for the upcoming week. Pro-Palestinian rallies have also taken place nationwide, with the largest occurring in New York City's Times Square. These gatherings have extended beyond the United States to Canada and various parts of Europe.

At least 11 Americans have been killed in the unprecedented assault on Israel by Hamas terrorists, the State Department said Monday.

Secretary of State Tony Blinken announced on Sunday that the U.S. had received reports that Americans had been killed or taken hostage in the Hamas assault. President Biden's administration has yet to clarify whether or how many Americans may have been taken hostage.

As of Monday afternoon, more than 1,600 people have died on both sides, according to a report from the Associated Press. Approximately 900 people, including 73 soldiers have been killed in Israel, while in Gaza more than 680 people have been killed. Thousands more have been wounded.

The U.S. military has responded to the attack by moving an aircraft carrier group into the eastern Mediterranean Sea closer to Israel. The U.S. has supplied Israel with aid, but has yet to take direct action.

FOX News contributed to this report.