MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets on Sunday to mourn the death of six more hostages found in Gaza, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reach a cease fire to ensure the lives of remaining captives.
As the country’s war against Hamas nears its one-year anniversary, Myrtle Beach’s Jewish population is joining in the calls for an end to the violence.
Eli Habibi, an active duty Israeli Defense Forces solider currently on leave, fears for the safety of friends still battling on the front lines.
“You can see, with Jewish communities all over the world, they’ll feel that if something happens in Israel, Jews around the world will feel it,” the Myrtle Beach resident said.
Israeli forces identified Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23; Ori Danino, 25; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Almog Sarusi, 27; and Alexander Lobanov, 33 as the victims. All were taken from the Re’im music festival on Oct. 7.
Rabbi Doron Aizenman of Chabad Myrtle Beach says the assault filled him with a sadness that remains today.