Over 4,500 Gather in University City in Support of Israel

On the night of October 10, thousands of San Diegans gathered for a vigil honoring the lives lost in Israel following the recent attacks by Hamas. The vigil was held at Mandell Weiss Eastgate City Park, which is adjacent to the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center (JCC). Organized by the Jewish Federation of San Diego, the vigil aimed to show support for Israelis through speeches from community leaders, prayer, and unity. According to the Lawrence Family JCC on Facebook, over 4,500 community members stood in solidarity with Israel against Hamas. In attendance were several past and current local and regional leaders along with a heavy police presence.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria shared his unequivocal support of Israel and the Jewish people.

“San Diego will continue to stand with both Israel and our Jewish community both here and around the world,” Gloria expressed. As rain fell, Gloria stated that the drops symbolized “tears of a community that is mourning.”

Speakers throughout the night remembered the life of Ofir Libstein, the mayor of Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister city in Israel. As stated by Heidi Gantwerk, president and chief executive officer of Jewish Federation of San Diego County, “on the morning of October 7 when the attack began, Ofir ran out to defend his family and his kibbutz, Kfar Aza, and he was murdered by Hamas terrorists.” Gantwerk concluded by expressing her commitment that “together, we will honor the memory of Ofir and of all who perished in Sha’ar HaNegev through our collective love and our collective action.”

Deputy Consul General Amit Mekel from the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles talked about the ongoing conflict.

“This is the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust,” Mekel stated. Mekel finished by exclaiming that “Israel will win this war, and, when Israel wins, the entire civilized world wins,” which was met with a loud applause and chants of “Am Yisrael Chai” (the people of Israel live).

The night ended with a collective singing of “Am Yisrael Chai” (the people of Israel live) by Shlomo Carlebach, a Jewish rabbi and singer.

Two days later, on UC San Diego’s campus, students gathered to show their support for Israel and remember the lives lost amid attacks by Hamas. Hundreds gathered around the Silent Tree outside Geisel Library on October 12 to unify for the Israelis killed, injured, and taken hostage following the attacks by Hamas.

Chancellor Pradeep Khosla shared resources for mental health and coping support in an email sent to students, academics, and staff at UCSD on October 9. On October 10, Khosla issued a statement “to express [his] unequivocal condemnation of Hamas’ horrific terrorist attack on Israel and targeting of civilians.”

As conflict between Israel and Palestine continued, students posted flyers along Library Walk on Tuesday, October 24 that read “Kidnapped” above photos of hostages in Hamas’ custody.

Students and community members gathered again on November 7 in a walk organized by Tritons for Israel for “the fallen and for the 200+ hostages still being held captive by Hamas.”

Liam Winstead is the Managing Editor for The Triton.