By Mary O’KEEFE

The reaction to the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel has been swift from local officials and from local leaders.

“Hamas’ violent and deadly attack on Israel was nothing short of barbaric. I want the Jewish community to know I stand in solidarity with them and, in no uncertain terms, condemn this assault,” stated Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Violence abroad has a ripple effect and reaches every corner of the globe. I send my prayers to those in Israel who are suffering due to this traumatic attack on their lives and all our local Jewish communities who are also feeling their pain.”

Congressman Adam Schiff responded to the news first with Jewish members of the House of Representatives including fellow California Representatives Mike Levin and Brad Sherman.

“We are united in standing with and supporting our ally Israel as it responds to terrorist attacks from Gaza. Hamas has declared war on Israel and her people. Our alliance with Israel is unbreakable; our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad. We extend our condolences to the families of all those killed, our hopes for recovery for the many hundreds wounded, and pray for the safe and immediate return of all hostages taken. We support Israel’s right to defend itself – to protect its people and communities – and will do all we can to ensure Israel has the ability and capacity to restore and maintain its security and the safety of all its citizens,” said the trio in a joint statement.

“I stand strongly with Israel in the face of this terrorist attack by Hamas and declaration of war on the people of Israel. Israel has a right to defend itself, and the U.S. must do all it can to assist Israel as it protects its citizens and takes all necessary steps to recover the hostages taken. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost and wounded. Israel is experiencing its own 9/11 this weekend, and there are no both sides to this attack. Hamas is a terrorist group mass murdering hundreds of innocent Israelis and taking women and children hostage. The U.S. must stand ready to provide Israel with the support it needs to defend itself including humanitarian aid and funding for the Iron Dome,” Schiff stated.

However this has taken a personal toll on those who have loved ones in Israel including Rabbi Mendy Grossbaum from the Chabad of the Crescenta Valley.

“[I have] two first cousins and their families living in Tel Aviv. I also have some extended family [in Israel] as well,” he said.

He is concerned for his family members but also has the responsibility of those of the Chabad.

“People have been messaging me non-stop and we’ve been doing our best to lift spirits and just lend a shoulder to lean on and to cry on – sometimes that is the best thing we can do. Plans for a community-wide prayer service and unity event for Israel is in the works,” he added.

He is also concerned what this attack may mean for the future of Israel.

“The people of Israel have been receiving rocket fire for years – to a point that (sadly) it’s been virtually accepted by every Israeli that a few nights a year they are to spend in bomb shelters. Thanks to the incredible technology and security of the Iron Dome, for the most part they have remained safe – only a few casualties each year. Thus the evil perpetrators and terrorists have been able to remain alive,” he said.

It appears that the nation is only beginning to realize how brutal this terrorist attack has been. Grossbaum believes that the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] will be able carry out a “complete decimation of Hamas.” He believes once this terrorist group is stopped it will lead to peace.

“I believe that the peaceful future for the citizens of Israel and the Palestinian people will begin to blossom,” he said.

When asked what people can do to support families in Israel he replied, “First and foremost we can all do our part in assisting the people of Israel and the IDF in their missions of uprooting terrorism by donating money to the various organizations that are committed to doing just that. Visit colelchabad.org or fidf.org to donate.”

Chabad of the Crescenta Valley will be holding a Unite For Israel event today, Thursday, Oct. 12 at the La Cañada Country Club. To RSVP, visit cvchabad.org/uniteforisrael.