Nearly 200 people from across Middlesex County gathered at the Susan Welkovits Pavilion on Raritan Avenue in Highland Park at noon on Jan. 14 to mark the 100 days that kidnapped Israelis have been held in captivity by Hamas after being taken on Oct. 7. Attendees waved Israeli flags, held signs, carried pictures of the hostages, and wore labels with the number “100” showing their support while braving wintry wind and snow squalls. “We have to support the hostages and can’t let them be forgotten, despite what mainstream media would like us to do,” said Jack Silverman of East Brunswick.

Organized by “Central New Jersey Stands With Israel,” the event brought together a broad cross-section of the Jewish community. Rabbi Esther Reed, chief experience officer at Rutgers University Hillel, reminded the group that several of the hostages have ties to the New Jersey area and that the pain of all the missing captives is keenly felt by their families and all of the Jewish people. Michael Gordon spoke about his recent trip spent volunteering in Israel. There are no shortages of opportunities to help while in Israel — making meals, picking fruit, etc. There are also many opportunities to help Israel while in New Jersey as well by spreading awareness of the situation, raising money, participating in prayer, and more. “The need is there, we all need to do something,” said Gordon.

Deborah Melman is a staff writer at The Jewish Link.