Chula Vista Mayor John McCann led a remembrance on Wednesday evening to honor Israel and the innocent victims of the Hamas terrorist on October 7. Chula Vista City Hall was illuminated in blue and white lights, the colors of the Israeli flag, as a visible sign of sorrow and to emphasize that Chula Vista stands firmly with the people of Israel in their time of grief.
It was only through Mayor McCann’s leadership, that the City Hall was lighted in blue and white. He had been galvanized into action after the horrific attack on October 7th. The terrorists took the lives of over 1,400 innocent people, including 32 Americans.
McCann’s heartfelt comments on Wednesday were a stark statement on the nature of the attack and choices we face as Americans.
McCann said, “A shocking force of evil was unleashed on Israel on October 7. The terrorists of Hamas engaged in unspeakable acts of violence and brutality.
This was the largest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust.
Over 1,400 people were killed. At least 245 people were kidnapped and taken to Hamas hiding places in Gaza. Babies, children, women, the elderly, and the disabled were among those taken hostage.
The depravity of the killings, and the nearly unimaginable cruelty of the kidnappings, provide us with a moment when the difference between good and evil is shockingly apparent.
The sheer depravity of these acts shocks the conscience. This is a moment of moral clarity. This is the moment when we must express our sorrow.
I want to add our collective voice to the millions of other Americans who are urging our national leaders to stand strong and firm in support of the people of Israel as they endure their grief.”
At the November 1st event, Mayor McCann was joined by Rabbi Eli Fradkin of the Chabad of Coronado, Rabbi Michael Leo Samuel of Temple Beth Shalom, and Pastor Art Hodges of South Bay Pentecostal Church to mark the lighting of Chula Vista City Hall and joined by a crowd of 75 people. The program also included Cantor Shlomo Fellus and trumpet player Michael Bogart, who played “Hatikva,” the national anthem of Israel.
Each speaker shared words to mark this moment as City Hall was illuminated in blue and white to demonstrate support for America’s closest allies in their time of need.
