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.

Sophie Maurer

Sophie Maurer is a high school student who attends school in Israel. She was on the Mosenson Youth Village campus, located in Hod HaSharon, just north of Tel Aviv, when the Oct. 7 attack occurred. Maurer recalls being shaken awake by a friend in the early part of the morning. Quickly, she and her friends hurried into the safe room, unsure of what was happening within the country. There they waited in the safe room until the attack ended and they were given the all clear.

Prior to the attack on Oct. 7, Maurer was enjoying a visit from her parents. They had traveled to see Ofir Libstein, the mayor of Sha’ar HaNegev, located in the Western Negev and near the Gaza strip. As part of their visit to the region, Mayor Libstein took the Maurer family to a hill overlooking Gaza. He told them about his dream for peace; that Gazans and Israelis would work together to build a brighter future for all.

Maurer’s parents returned to Indiana the next day, while Mayor Libstein drove her back to school and carried her suitcase up the stairs to her room.

“He said, ‘I love you. You're like family to me. I can't wait to see you soon. You're always welcome, please remember that,’” Maurer said. “And that was the last time I saw him.”

The next morning, Mayor Libstein was brutally murdered outside of his home. He was one of the more than 1,200 people killed in the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7.

In the days following the attack, Maurer and her friends found strength through prayer and the people of Israel.

“Israelis are very, very strong. Those who are in the army will do anything to protect our country,” she said. “We have a lot of spirit and a lot of strength, resilience, and hope. As the Jewish people, we know we're going to come out on the other side.”

Maurer returned home on her 16th birthday in October but was eager to return to her community in Israel, where she hopes to live permanently in the future. In December, Maurer returned to her school in Israel and is grateful for the support of the Jewish community in Indianapolis which gives strength to the people of Israel.