Cornerstone Church in downtown Fresno will host the Israeli ambassador Sunday along with others to discuss violence and hate against Jews and Israelis.

The Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem event will take place Sunday at 6 p.m. at the historic Wilson Theater in downtown Fresno. Consul General of Israel to Pacific Northwest Marco Sermoneta will be the keynote speaker.

Also speaking: Ori Epstein, a representative of Kfar Aza, a kibbutz attacked on Oct. 7 by Hamas; an Arab pastor, and a Jewish college student.

Discussion will focus on current events in the Middle East and the rise of anti-Semitism in the U.S.

“All of us are concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism in our country. We are horrified by the events that took place on October 7 when innocent communities in Israel were attacked by the terrorist organization Hamas resulting in the slaughter of men, women, and children and the taking of hostages,” said Jim Franklin, pastor of Cornerstone Church.

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Israeli Ambassador Has Broad Experience in the Americas

Born in Rome, Sermoneta represents Israel for northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. Sermoneta previously served as the ambassador to Colombia, where he strengthened the political and trade relations between the Middle Eastern country and the South American country, according to the Consul General webpage.

He also served as ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica. He speaks fluent Spanish and works closely with Hispanic communities.

Epstein lost his mother, two brothers, and his son in the Oct. 7 attacks.

“This event is an opportunity to send a message to our allies in Israel, the innocent victims of this war and to our Jewish community here in the valley that we stand with them and are praying for them,” Franklin said.

Al Jazeera reports that 37,263 civilians in Gaza have died, displacing most of the 2.3 million people in the enclave. More than 1,200 people during the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas.

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