Worthing's Jewish community gathers at town hall to pray for Israel – pictures

It comes days after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Saturday.

Rabbi Shaya Gourarie led the prayers at Worthing Town Hall at 5pm and said everyone in attendance, including councillor Sean McDonald, has relatives currently in Israel. He added all are concerned and hopeful for their continued safety.

At the event, Rabbi Gourarie said: “Our hearts are broken yet our faith is strong. Saturday was an attack on the Jews as a people and Judaism as a nation.

“Our Jewish community, what we can do, is to increase in prayer and in promoting good deeds. As Jews, we believe that our positive actions and prayers right here in Worthing and across the world have an effect on the safety of our family in Israel. And we are confident that just as in both recent and ancient history our enemies have raised up to destroy the Jewish people, and yet here we stand, today, a strong, proud Jewish community.

“We pray for the over 1,200 lost lives, for the wounded, for those being held in captivity, for the Israeli soldiers, reservists and volunteers currently on the frontlines, let God protect them from all harm. Amen.”

According to the Chabad Brighton and Sussex website, Rabbi Gourarie arrived in Worthing earlier this year from the USA to establish relationships with local Jewish families. He is aiming to build a welcoming and inclusive community centre, and provide meaningful educational and spiritual programming for people of all ages and backgrounds.