In a statement released Monday, all 19 members of the Lake County Board and seven countywide elected officials “unequivocally” condemned the Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens.
Backed by a barrage of rockets, Hamas terrorists stormed from the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7 into nearby Israeli towns, killing dozens and abducting others in an unprecedented surprise attack during a major Jewish holiday.
“Murdering innocent civilians is never justified, and we are horrified by what we have seen. We know that many in our community have family, friends and other ties to Israel and the region,” the statement said.
“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those who are feeling overwhelming loss and grief at this moment,” the statement continued. “We hope and pray for the safe return of the American and Israeli hostages, and peace for all.”
More than 1,400 people were killed in the Oct. 7 attack, making it the deadliest in Israel in decades. At least 155 others were taken as hostages into Gaza, including a mother and daughter from Evanston.
The following day, Israel formally declared war on Hamas, sending bombs into the most densely populated area of the world: Gaza, a 140-square-mile region where about 2.3 million Palestinians live.
Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed at least 2,778 people and wounded 9,700, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Nearly two-thirds of those killed were children, reported The Associated Press.
Most recently, an Israeli airstrike Tuesday hit a Gaza City hospital packed with wounded and other Palestinians seeking shelter, according to officials there.
[ Hundreds killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza City hospital, Health Ministry says ]
It’s become the deadliest of five wars for both sides, with more than 4,000 casualties and rising.
The tension between Israel and Hamas has made its way onto American soil, particularly in the Chicago region.
In a southwest suburb, a 6-year-old Muslim boy was stabbed to death by his Plainfield Township landlord, according to law enforcement officials. The boy, Wadea Al-Fayoume, was laid to rest Monday.
Hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Joseph Czuba became “heavily interested” in the escalating conflict after listening to conservative talk radio and targeted his Muslim and Palestinian-American tenants Saturday morning, authorities said. Czuba told Hanaan Shahin that he was angry at her for what was happening in Jerusalem, according to police.
The 71-year-old landlord then attacked her and her 6-year-old son with a large knife, leaving Shahin bleeding profusely from the face and the boy dead, authorities said. Czuba was detained Monday on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and a hate crime.
An Evanston mother and daughter were visiting a southern kibbutz in Israel for a grandmother’s 85th birthday.
The community, Nahal Oz, was attacked on Oct. 7. The family of Judith and Natalie Raanan last had contact with the two women that Saturday morning, and assumed they were safe.
[ Evanston mom and daughter missing in Israel are alive but being held hostage by Hamas, relative says ]
Later, the family learned from the Israeli government that both women were taken as hostages.
Natalie Raanan graduated from Deerfield High School in June. Judith Raanan is an active member of her synagogue in Evanston.
The Associated Press contributed.
