CREVE COEUR, Mo. —
Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham bittersweetly scrolled through pictures of his brother-in-law suited up for combat in Israel on Friday.
Abraham, who leads the Congregation B’nai Amoona in Creve Coeur, Missouri, said his sister and brother-in-law live in Israel and had just been in St. Louis for his son’s nephew’s bar mitzvah two weeks ago.
The couple’s honeymoon was cut short due to the gruesome conflict between Israel and Hamas that has reeled in soldiers out of reserve.
"He's just like many other Israelis, almost wanted to get the call. They want to get the call and help defend our people,” Abraham said.
Israel's military said Hamas' attack and ongoing rocket fire from Gaza had killed more than 1300 people and left at least 3,200 wounded as of Friday. 27 Americans are known to be among the dead.
Abraham’s brother-in-law joins many other Israeli troops as they carry out local raids in Gaza to eliminate the threat.
Abraham added that his brother was a combat engineer responsible for going out in front of the Army and ensuring there were no mines or minefields that could lead to more loss of life.
Not only is Rabbi Abraham helping his own family through this, but he has also shepherded 3000 people at the synagogue.
They had just put up a banner outside the center to “show our solidarity and support with our people and the state of Israel.”
The Jewish leader stressed that it was easy to fight hate with hate.
"What happened this past week in Israel is no different than ISIS or Al-Qaeda or other terrorist organizations that we all want to get rid of. How can we unite as people so that we can hopefully find a way to bring peace not only in Israel but to the whole world as well,” he said.
As his family fights for their lives abroad, Abraham has fought in his own way back in St. Louis.
Congregation B’nai Amoona has joined other organizations in solidarity this week. Abraham noted they would include special prayers in their services this weekend.