Rhode Island Jewish community reacts to chaos between Israel and Palestine

Dozens are dead and hundreds injured after the Hamas militant group fired thousands of rockets at Israel near the Gaza Strip.

Members of the Jewish community in Southern New England are watching the chaos unfold at home.

“It’s a mix of shock and horror,” Adam Greenman, President of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island said.

Many who have ties to the Middle Eastern country were heading to worship services on Saturday for the Sabbath.

The local Jewish community is hoping to have a vigil in the coming days.

“This weekend we have two holidays Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. They are supposed to be joyous holidays in Israel and here obviously. This has put such a tinge on this,” Greenman said.

Israel is fighting back, launching strikes on Gaza which killed dozens there.

Members of Congress were weighing in.

We asked Rep. Jake Auchincloss how the US should react.

“To help make Israel victorious. That is our aim in this moment and that should be the aim of Congress as well. Congress has long appropriated $3.5 billion of security aid every year, exactly for moments like this. When the Israeli defense forces need to operate against nefarious enemies, who use tactics that are illegal under international law,” Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-MA 4th District said.

Auchincloss added there’s no plan to send US troops to Israel.

Meanwhile, a Providence church group and their pastor are in Israel right now, staying in what they believe is a safe location in Galilee.

The Victory Church group was sharing their journey on social media.

“This is really a strategic moment in time. This is a critical moment and God has us here for a purpose,” Pastor Richard Sfameni, of Victory Church said.

They were praying for peace and a safe return to the Ocean State in their posts.

Back in Providence, the church, located on Veazie Street, invited its members to a prayer service on Saturday night.

They’re supposed to come home later this week, but major airlines have canceled many flights out of Israel.