SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The North Louisiana Jewish Federation invited the community to unite in support of Israel.

According to Associate Press, the Israel-Hamas war left citizens trapped under rubble, approximately 150 women, children, and elderly were abducted and taken to the Gaza Strip by Hamas militants; close to 3,000 were injured and lives were lost – including 22 U.S. citizens and 17 uncounted for.

AP reported, as of Tuesday, the death toll surpassed 2, 200 including dozens of babies.

NLJF along with Agudath Achim and B’Nai Zion synagogues say this gathering was an opportunity to stand together, pray together, and gain strength from one another in this incredibly difficult time.

“We felt like it was important to come together we gain strength from being together so in some small way for Israelis to know that we are gathering in support of them gives them strength as well,” said NLJF Executive Director, Barbara Joseph.

NLJF is raising money to support victims of terror in Israel while urging elected officials to act in the face of an expected rise in antisemitism.

The event was held in the Kilpatrick Auditorium at Centenary College at 6 p.m.