(WAND) — Jewish leaders in central Illinois are reacting to the Israel-Hamas war.

Like many devout Jews, Rabbi Mendy Turen had his phone and computer shut off last weekend for the Simchat Torah holiday.

“Its the most joyous day on the Jewish calendar. On the Jewish Sabbath and holidays, I don’t have my phone, my computer — I’m not connected to the internet,” Rabbi Turen, of the Chabad Jewish Center of Springfield, told WAND News.

So, he didn’t learn about Hamas’ attack on Saturday until someone at the Center told him that morning.

“My first reaction was really fear. Just because I have so many friends and family that live there,” Rabbi Turen explained.

Monday marked the third day of the Israel-Hamas war that began with an attack during Simchat Torah. Hundreds were killed and over a hundred people were taken hostage. Israel filed a formal declaration of war on Sunday. Nearly 1,600 people have been killed on both sides.

His brother, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles and cousins all live in Israel. He also lived in the country for two years while he attended college, and many classmates are still there.

“Less than a few hours ago, I learned my aunt’s first cousin was killed. And that kind of news continues to trickle in,” Rabbi Turen said.

He’s now getting information faster than headlines can keep up.

“These are one of those places where I’m not hearing the updates from the news, I’m not hearing the updates from any of that. I’m hearing it live from my friends that are updating me personally, or in a group we’re on together, with what’s happening,” Rabbi Turen added.

Rabbi Dovid Tiechtel, Executive Director of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life at University of Illinois, is also keeping in touch with family and friends in the areas under attack.

“I have students, alumni who are on the Gaza border, I have family members who have been called up to service,” Rabbi Tiechtel explained.

Both leaders are now calling on the Jewish community, and all of central Illinois, to fight the bloodshed with kindness.

“The best thing we can do in times of darkness is add light. We here in America, the way we can react is adding in prayers, by adding in good deeds, by adding in coming together,” Rabbi Tiechtel said.

“If we each do one additional act of goodness, act of kindness, what we call a mitzvah, that’s how we’re really able to get rid of the darkness,” Rabbi Turen added.

He asks the public to check on their Jewish friends and offer support. Those interested in donating money or supporting the cause can reach out to the Chabad Center.

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