VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — On Wednesday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin met with a Rabbi, professors and others in the Jewish community to address the war in Israel.
Rabbi Israel Zoberman of the Temple Lev Tikvah Heart of Hope in Virginia Beach was one of several Jewish leaders to meet with Gov. Youngkin.
Zoberman said he spent some of his childhood in Israel, but has lived in Virginia for 40 years. He worries about his sisters since the Hamas militas attacked Israel over the weekend.
"To hear my sisters my age, with a sense of fear for the children, for the grandkids, and themselves hurts you in such a way that you just cannot do anything else," said Rabbi Zoberman.
After the meeting, Youngkin vowed his support to Israel.
"Our attorney general has been championing an anti-semitism commission as well, and they just had training for the latest cadets in our state police," Youngkin said.
The governor also said that authorities in Virginia will monitor social media for any threats against those of the Jewish faith.
While Rabbi Zoberman was happy to meet with the governor, he had a message for his sisters back in Israel:
"Be strong. We, in America, have not abandoned you."
As of Wednesday, the Israeli military said more than 1,200 people, including 189 soldiers, have been killed in Israel. In Gaza, 1,100 people have been killed, according to authorities there.
Israel also said roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel, and that hundreds of those killed in Gaza are Hamas members.
The governor also said he has met with some leaders in the Muslim community in Virginia. Youngkin's administration is working to ensure no acts of violence against mosques in the area.