A solidarity rally held in Nashville Monday evening to mourn the lives lost in Israel drew a crowd of approximately 700 people, with attendants including Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, Metro Nashville council members, and state lawmakers.
The event was organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and held at the Gordon Jewish Community Center in Music City.
Once again, we’ve seen the persecution of the Nation of Israel, & once again, we see the steadfast resolve of her people.
Last night, I was honored to stand with Nashville’s Jewish community & pray for the Israeli & American families who have lost loved ones in the evil attacks. pic.twitter.com/ZmFjWvYrCg
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) October 10, 2023
Speaking to the crowd, Lee said, “We have seen once again the persecution of the nation of Israel, but we will see once again the steadfast resolve of the people of this state and this nation to stand alongside the Jewish people and the nation of Israel.”
Afterwards, Lee said he was “honored to stand with Nashville’s Jewish community & pray for the Israeli & American families who have lost loved ones in the evil attacks.”
Lee also ordered the flags over the State Capitol and all State office buildings to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday “in remembrance of the innocent Israeli lives lost during the horrific terrorist attacks and as a mark of Tennessee’s unwavering support and solidarity with Israel.”
Lee’s office was also reported to have reached out to every synagogue in the state to “remind them of his support and see if they have any needs.”
On Monday, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said his team is “in contact with leaders of Jewish institutions in our city,” adding, “We are working closely with them to offer our support, presence, and guidance, while we reiterate our commitment to their safety.”
In addition, a fundraiser titled Nashville Stands With Israel has so far raised just over $20,500 to provide “essentials such as meals, safe temporary housing, clothing, and other critical supplies for the Jewish communities (Kibbutzim) in southern Israel.”
During a White House Press Briefing on Tuesday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed 14 Americans are among the more than 1,000 dead in Israel, with approximately 20 or more still unaccounted for in the country.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Nashvillians Gather to Mourn Israelis Lost in Hamas Attacks” by Gov Bill Lee.
