Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford: Israel-Hamas War hits close to home

Rabbi Daniel Cohen, from Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, says three of his six daughters are living in Israel.

Mark Sudol

Oct 9, 2023, 9:26 PM

Updated 374 days ago

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The Israel-Hamas War has hit close to home for a Stamford rabbi.
Rabbi Daniel Cohen, from Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, says three of his six daughters are living in Israel.
Two of his grandchildren are there, too.
He says what they have seen is horrific.
"It's very personal, very emotional and wrenching when we found out the news," said Cohen.
Cohen says he is devastated by the recent attacks in Israel.
Cohen's nephews are also in Israel, serving in the Israeli Army and are going to Gaza to fight.
"Everybody is staying close to home unless it's an emergency, they're not leaving their apartments. When the sirens come, they go to a sealed room in their apartments. Hamas is not only the name of a political group in Israel, it means literally in Hebrew violence," said Cohen.
Rabbi Cohen says his synagogue was filled with worshipers this weekend.
Everyone offering prayers.
"At synagogue, trying to both acknowledge the pain but also give people a sense of strength and resilience and what we can do to support the efforts in Israel," said Cohen.
Today, the Israeli flag flies proudly outside Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, symbolizing the strength of a proud people.
"We believe that light will overwhelm the darkness, but it takes a united effort to try to move that way forward," said Cohen.
The United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan and Darien--- and the JCC in Greenwich are holding a Community Solidarity Gathering tomorrow night at 6 at Temple Beth El in Stamford.
For more information you can contact Rabbi Cohen.