A solemn gathering in support of Israel and the Alaska Jewish community at the Dena’ina Convention Center in Anchorage drew about 250 people, about 95% from the Jewish community in Alaska on Wednesday.
Organized by Mayor Dave Bronson in collaboration with Jewish leaders, it was a time of unity with Jewish community and to show solidarity with Israel.
Speakers included Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, Mayor Bronson, Rabbi Yosef Greenberg, Rabbi Levi Glitsenstein, Rabbi Abram Goldstein, Rabbi Mendy Greenberg, David Gottstein, and Pastor Gary Morton., and Sen. Dan Sullivan, who spoke live via Zoom.
The event was in response to the attack on Israel by Hamas, backed by Iran, last Saturday, which was the most deadly attack in Israel’s 75-year history. At least 1,300 were killed in that initial attack, and 3,300 known to be injured. About 150 hostages are believed to have been taken to Gaza. Several of the dead and known hostages are Americans.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski was said to be in flight and did not make it to the event, although she was included on the program. There was no mention during the evening of Rep. Mary Peltola. Her name was not on the program and she did not attend or send an representative. Heavy security in the form of beefy men in black were in the room and in the building.
The event was not widely publicized in order to minimize the danger to the participants.
On Tuesday, Bronson ordered Municipality of Anchorage flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday on all municipal properties.
