BOZEMAN, MT – Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the barbaric Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte on Oct 6th, attended a prayer and solidarity vigil at the Chabad Lubavitch Center of Jewish Life and Learning in Bozeman.

“Susan and I were honored to join our Jewish friends and neighbors this morning as we continue to pray for the release of all hostages and for strength for Israelis as they eliminate Hamas,” Governor Gianforte said. “Tomorrow, I’m proud to raise the Israeli flag alongside the flags of the United States and Montana to send a clear message: Montana stands with Israel and in light with the Jewish people.”

At the vigil, the governor joined Rabbi Chaim Bruk and nearly a dozen members of the Jewish community for the ceremony, including veterans of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

“Quite a few years ago, I served in the Golani Brigade which is the unit which serves on the northern border with Lebanon. On Oct 6th, I was honored to give my insignia from the brigade to the governor,” IDF Veteran Hagai Payes said. “The ceremony on Oct 6th, was very touching. Our prayer is that there will be peace soon.”

“It’s a topsy turvy world that we are living in. Yet amid the moral failures of many segments of our society, amid the chaos on college campuses and in front of synagogues around the world – here in Montana, we have become a state that is a beacon of light,” Rabbi Bruk added.

The governor tomorrow at 9 a.m. will lower flags flown over the Montana State Capitol to half-staff and will raise the Israel flag in solidarity with Israel and Jews throughout the world and in remembrance for those who are still held hostage, including American citizens.