More than 1,500 Israelis and Palestinians have died and tens of thousands of others have been displaced in fighting after Hamas launched attacks against cities across Israel over the weekend.

• In Chicago, communities reacted with solidarity and support, as well as fears for their family and loved ones caught in the conflict.

What they're saying: "Our lives have been overturned," Rabbi Yehoshua Karsh from the Torah Learning Center of Northbrook tells Axios. "People are walking around stunned."

• "We're numb, shocked, horrified," American Jewish Committee's Sarah van Loon tells Axios. "We are just devastated at the immense loss of life."

Details: Many Chicagoans are in Israel and Gaza, including author Ethan Michaeli, who flew to Tel Aviv on Friday after his mother died.

• "Within the country, people are comparing this to 9/11," Michaeli tells Axios. "I have spent days (and part of the nights) going in and out of safe rooms and basement bomb shelters whenever there's a siren in the area."

In downtown Chicago, hundreds of Palestinian Americans and supporters protested Sunday, and many are still trying to connect with family members in Gaza.

• "It's terrifying," Palestinian writer and activist Deanna Othman tells Axios. "The area in Gaza that my family was in this summer is completely leveled. It's horrifying to think that our family members are still there, walking distance from all of that wreckage.
• "They don't have access to bomb shelters so they're basically just staying indoors, huddling together and just praying for the best."

By the numbers: An estimated 400,000 Jewish people live in greater Chicago; around 85,000 Palestinians reside in the area.

• Palestinians make up over 60% of the Arab American population in metro Chicago.

Zoom in: Several Illinois senators and representatives from the Chicago area sent out a joint statement, saying: "We will not be able to achieve peace when millions of Palestinians are denied basic human rights."

• "We urge the United States and the international community to work toward long-term solutions that end the inequality that is at the root cause of the violence."

Of note: Local law enforcement officials said there are no current threats in the Chicago area.

What's next: The Jewish United Fund is organizing a gathering to show support for Israel this morning in Glencoe.

Tonight, the Blackhawks head to Pittsburgh to start the regular season against the Penguins.

Why it matters: This is a rebuilding year, but things have accelerated since the last time the 'Hawks took the ice, mainly because of the NHL draw, scoring the first pick and landing rookie phenom Connor Bedard.

So if you find yourself watching the game with some hockey geeks, let us help you get up to speed on the 2023-24 squad.

The rebuild: Hopes are high this won't be a long process, thanks to Bedard. The rookie sensation looked the part in the preseason, handling himself against NHL talent. The 'Hawks' only other No. 1 pick? Patrick Kane.

• A well-timed "Can't go wrong with a young Kaner" will start you off on the right foot.

The other youngsters: The 'Hawks also drafted speedster Oliver Moore in the first round, but he's a ways from contributing to the team.

• How about, "Bedard is gonna be great, but imagine how incredible it will be when Oliver Moore is ready to go." Draft pick knowledge is always appreciated.

Keep reading

Chicago police have closed a River North bar after eight people were shot early Sunday morning outside the club. Four of those shot are in critical condition. (Tribune)

Nearly 1,000 birds died after smashing into McCormick Place's windows last Wednesday, about 700 more than were found dead at any point over the last 40 years, according to the Field Museum. (AP)

Gangs bought illegal guns and, in at least one known case, paid for someone to be killed, using COVID-19 relief funds. (Sun-Times)

Welcome back to our series "Line Report," investigating whether some of the longest lines in the city are worth your time.

This week: Kasama, the Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning Filipino restaurant and bakery.

Details: The lines were already long, but "The Bear" put Kasama even higher on the list for tourists and Chicagoans who want to taste the famous breakfast sandwich with longganisa, egg and cheese on a potato roll (which you can also get without meat).

• Do not skip the pastry case filled with coconut black sesame macarons, berry creme fraiche cheesecake and ube and coconut ensaymada.

State of play: Kasama opens at 9am Wednesday–Sunday, but the lines usually start before 8am and can stretch around the corner of Augusta and Wolcott.

• The longest Carrie has waited in line was about an hour on a Thursday at 9:15am.
• Wednesday at 1:30pm — NO LINE!

Yes, but: They stop serving the famous breakfast sandwich at noon.

Be smart: Kasama chefs Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores told us your best shot at avoiding lines is to stop by on Thursdays after 10:30am.

Wait (⏳) or skip (👎)?

• ⌛ Take your morning meeting from the line to be rewarded with yummy breakfast, strong coffee and fantastic, friendly service.

👀 Check out who's hiring on our Job Board.

1. Marketing Coordinator at FGM Architects.
2. Director, Communications at Illinois Housing Development Authority.
3. Director - National Assurance Technical Group - GASB Focus at Clifton Larson Allen.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Use code FIRST50 for $50 off your first job post.

Where's Justin this week? Here's a hint:

• On the old highway to the northwest
• A throwback still stands apart from the rest
• With imitation relics from the past
• And several attractions that take all forms of cash

📫 Reply to this email with the correct answer and you will be entered into a drawing to win some Axios swag!