While acknowledging the suffering of the civilians of Gaza, we, the Jewish congregation in Merced, California, stand in solidarity with and support for the citizens of Israel, who have been barbarically attacked by the forces of terror.  We pray for the injured and their families, we pray for families of the murdered -- and families whose loved ones have been taken away, kidnapped and missing in Gaza - that their loved ones be safe and return quickly unharmed.  We commend the brave soldiers of the IDF, and others who are valiantly defending the land and people of Israel, in gratitude for their courage and personal sacrifice for Israel and her people.  We pray that they are successful in their mission and prevent the terrorists of Gaza and elsewhere from ever carrying out their evil schemes of destruction in the future.  We pray that through this tragedy that the people of Israel will stay strong, growing in strength to strength in the future, and will continue to be a light of righteousness, peace and strength from now and forever.