Norwich ― The Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut will host a Call to Action Sunday to raise money for an emergency relief fund and to seek medical professionals willing to travel to Israel.

The Call to Action event will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at Beth Jacob Synagogue, 400 New London Tpke., Norwich. The event is open to the public and will feature remarks by elected officials, community leaders, clergy and rabbis from throughout the region. Those with loved ones in Israel will share personal stories and connections they have with relatives and friends in Israel.

Outpourings of support for Israel have been voiced throughout the state and region since Hamas launched daring and surprise raids into Israel on Saturday, killing hundreds and capturing military and civilian hostages, including women and children.

Rachel Levy, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, based at the Beth Jacob Synagogue in Norwich, said she has family and friends in Israel and has been trying to keep in touch through text messages day and night as the fighting continues.

“This is all I am thinking about,” Levy said Wednesday. “I’m just praying for their safety and security. I was in Israel last December and was hoping to bring my family for winter vacation this year.”

Along with local rabbis, speakers Sunday will include Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom, Alderwoman Stacy Gould, state Rep. Devin Carney, R-Old Lyme, and the Rev. Gregory Perry, pastor of the Greeneville Congregational Church.

Nystrom said he urges everyone to voice support for Israel and against the violence perpetrated in the Hamas attacks.

“There is just no room in this world for the atrocities we’re witnessing,” Nystrom said. “It’s violence beyond measure. It’s hideous for anyone to think that’s a way for them to have gains.”

The Jewish federation is seeking donations to the Emergency Relief Fund to help with everything from funeral costs for Israeli families who have lost loved ones to emergency food and medical expenses and to help rebuild destroyed homes and neighborhoods. Levy said the fund has collected more than $50 million nationwide since Saturday’s attacks.

Donations may be made online at the federation’s website, www.jfec.com checks can be sent to Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut, 400 New London Tpke., Norwich, CT 06360.

The call for medical professionals echoes a similar effort to send medical experts to Ukraine to help treat wounded civilians since the Russian invasion in February 2022. Doctors, nurses and paramedics licensed to work abroad can join Medical Volunteers for Israel using online forms at the Ministry of Health to ensure they have preclearance of their medical licenses. Go to https://go.gov.il/volunteersforisrael.

“We are able to mobilize them to go to Israel,” Levy said. “As long as the ports are open, we are going to keep sending people. This is a national effort.”

c.bessette@theday.com