Central New Jersey Stands with Israel (CNJSI) will be setting up “The Empty Shabbat Table” at 148 Raritan Ave. (the Sunoco property) in Highland Park for the over 230 hostages being held by Hamas.

CNJSI is grateful to Edgewood Properties, which owns 148 Raritan Ave., for allowing use of its property, and to Highland Park Mayor Elsie Foster, who was instrumental in making this event happen. On Nov. 3 from 4-4:30 p.m., there will be a short program including words by former Rutgers Hillel Executive Director Andrew Getraer and the singing of Shabbat songs.

As the purpose of the exhibit, CNJSI co-founder Michael Gordon explained that, “We cannot forget that there are still over 200 hostages, including babies, seniors, women, children, and teenagers, who are not going to be with their families and friends at a Shabbat table this weekend.” CNJSI co-founder Josh Fine stated that, “With warmth and love, a Shabbat table will be set for the hostages, to let the world know that they have not been forgotten and to symbolize our hope and prayer that they will soon be able to take their own place at a Shabbat table.”

Highland Park council member Matt Hale, who has been coordinating logistics for this exhibit, is encouraging Central New Jersey residents to visit “The Empty Shabbat Table,” which will be up from Nov. 3 through Sunday evening, Nov. 5, to show support for the hostages. For more information, check CNJSI’s Facebook page at facebook.com//groups/3954546044664543.

Josh Fine served as a member of the Borough Council of Highland Park from 2015-2020 and is a member of the Middlesex Black-Jewish Coalition.