The war in Israel has impacted the lives of many across the globe. Jews in Indianapolis are no exception. While this community may feel the distance between it and the families facing the daily hardships of war, the resilience of the Jewish people here in Indianapolis is felt around the world.

Since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the community has raised $2.45 million for the Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Emergency Fund, which works with partners to support victims of terror, help rebuild damaged infrastructure, and address the unprecedented levels of trauma caused by this horrific attack.

Locally, Jewish Family Services continues to assist the community by providing individualized support and emergency funds for those impacted by the war in Israel and assistance with relocation as needed. Additionally, JFS is offering mental health supports and resources for local Jewish programs and individuals including; Holocaust survivors, young adults, seniors, and families. Contact Julie Sondhelm at jsondhelm@jfgi.org to access these services.

The Indianapolis Jewish community and its allies have come together to stand strong in solidarity. From the first community gathering to the many Shabbat dinners across the community, Israel has been at the forefront of many daily lives.

Each person has a unique connection to the Israel-Hamas war, filled with moments of pain and hardship, but also of resilience, strength, community, and hope. Here are a few stories that illustrate the strength of Israel and its people to become the light in the darkest of days.

Colleen Shere

In early October, Colleen Shere and her husband were visiting her son for the High Holidays in Jerusalem. On the morning of Oct. 7, Shere and her husband set out their lunch on the hot plate and walked to synagogue among the quiet streets. Shortly after their arrival at the shul, the air sirens sounded. They quickly followed the other congregants to the basement of the synagogue for safety. There, the Rabbi did his best to continue morning services to the sound of the wailing sirens. In the safety of the basement, the group joined together in prayer practicing the century old traditions of the Jewish people.

For the rest of the day, which should have been full of joy, the family stayed quietly in the apartment and said extra prayers.

At sundown, when Shabbat had ended, Colleen went online and learned the details of the horrific Hamas attacks. Israel was under siege. Flights were cancelled, travel was restricted, and people were awaiting updates by the minute. The Sheres were now staying indefinitely in Israel, a country at war.

In the days that followed, Shere was struck by the immense amount of support and positive spirit the Israelis displayed for their beloved people and country. They heard singing and prayers from nearby synagogues that echoed throughout the streets. Two days after the incursion, they watched from their balcony as a wedding party proceeded down the street, picking up bystanders and singing, “David, Melech Israel,” at the tops of their voices. The Israeli people could not be broken.

Everywhere Shere looked, she saw examples of kindness and love for one another. She particularly remembers how the community came together to feed each other, making sure that no one went without. She and her husband even shared a pizza with a group of soldiers.

Gradually the streets filled again; children played in the playgrounds and the cafes, and restaurants reopened. All over Jerusalem Israeli flags flew on shop windows and on cars. Shere stayed 10 extra days in Israel and finally returned home on Oct. 20.

Shere reflected on her time in Israel; “You don’t feel lonely in Israel. Israelis are resilient and strong. They’ve been through this before, unfortunately. They fight to survive on the battlefields and by living every day. They know that they have a right to exist but that they must keep proving it. Even if you’re just visiting, as a Jew, you are part of the strength and comradery with all Jews that is Israel.”