'Shock, disbelief, and disorientation.’ Seattle leaders react to Hamas attack on Israel

Mourners in Seattle gathered Tuesday night at a Capitol Hill synagogue to reflect on the recent surprise attack from Hamas.

“For Israelis and for Jews around the world, we are still in a stage of shock, disbelief, and disorientation that this happened,” said Senior Rabbi Daniel Weiner. “And that this happened to the extent and in the manner that it did that is incredibly reminiscent of some of the darkest days of our not-so-distant history, in terms of the ways in which these atrocities were committed, the number of people that were victims, and that continue to be victims who are held hostage.”

Weiner led the vigil and solidarity event at Temple De Hirsch Sinai that drew an estimated crowd of 1,500. The gathering came just days after Hamas broke through border fences into Israel and launched an unprecedented attack.

Initial estimates are that more than 1,000 armed militants killed at least 700 Israelis and injured more than 2,100 in the initial incursion. As days pass, the number of killed civilians has continued to rise in Israel and in the blockaded Gaza strip. More than 400 Palestinians were killed, and more than 2,300 were injured after the initial military response from Israel. Israel's new unified right-wing government is now vowing to destroy Hamas and appears to be preparing for a full-scale ground offensive into the Gaza Strip.

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For Rabbi Weiner, now is a time for healing, self-examination, and to find a way forward. He noted that part of Jewish theology is to understand this issue through the scope of the lives involved in this conflict.

"We must always rise to the ramparts forced upon us by those who seek a world without Jews,” Weiner told the crowd. “Though our souls are seared with fury, and our faith tried by uncertainty, we must be driven not by the bloodlust of vengeance, but by the clarion call of justice, not by a corrupting hatred, but by a defining determination, not by a desire only to eradicate today's enemy, but a responsibility to combat the evil for which we are the world's eternal witness, with eyes ever turned toward tomorrow's path to peace."

Tuesday night's event also included comments from Washington Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, who both affirmed the United States' commitment to Israel and opposition to Hamas. Sen. Murray sent a member of her staff to read a statement. According to the statement, Murray plans to work with the president and both sides of the aisle to “ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself.”

“My heart aches for the innocent civilians in the middle of escalating violence that they had no part in and do not want, including Palestinians who want to live in peace and safety with dignity and justice that has too long been denied,” Murray's statement read. “We must all work toward a future that ensures peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.”

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Cantwell appeared in person and noted that among the dead in Israel was 32-year-old Hayim Katsman, a graduate from the University of Washington. Katsman was shot while protecting a mother and her child. Cantwell said that “the shock and the depravity of these acts cannot be tolerated.”

“We must help you grieve and comfort you,” Cantwell said. “But we also must take action. We must show our support for the people of Israel and our stand against terrorism. There is no justification for terrorism. The grisly execution of children, of grandmothers, of daughters should be condemned by every country, by every person, and by every religion."

Cantwell also said that the U.S. should redouble efforts to keep synagogues safe and stay vigilant against antisemitic activities “here in our state and our nation.”

In Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell said police are increasing patrols around places of worship. Harrell also said police are coordinating with local Jewish organizations to “monitor and respond to any threats.”

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“Seattle stands in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors during this difficult time and will not allow this attack to prompt acts of antisemitism in our own city,” Harrell said in a statement. “Too often, after international incidents of hate, there are ripple effects where communities are targeted in our neighborhoods. The Jewish community in Seattle deserves to feel safe at home, even while so many suffer pain as they continue to watch what is unfolding overseas.”