A number of hostages were taken at the Hyper Cacher grocery at the eastern edge of Paris by an armed man who French police said is connected to the Thursday shooting of a policewoman, escalating three days of violence in the French capital.

“They are still in there,” said Yoni Shlomo, a member of the Chabad community who lives less than 150 meters from the scene. “The street is full of police, and everyone is wondering and praying. Although nothing can be confirmed, I believe that I know at least one person inside, and I have friends who know others.”

With Shabbat about to descend on Paris, Shlomo reported that while some people have been able to escape, people suspected any number of hostages in the store.

The attack took place on Friday afternoon, when many Jewish people were shopping for Shabbat, which begins on Friday before sundown.

There were widespread calls for prayers, acts of kindness and the recitation of Tehillim (Psalms), particularly Psalm 20, on behalf of the hostages.

Rabbi Chmouel Lubecki reports that he and other Chabad representatives all over Paris have sent SMS messages to thousands of members of the Jewish community, encouraging them to light Shabbat candles and give extra charity in merit of the hostages.

Concurrently, Chabad on Campus rabbis in Paris are arranging a large Shabbat meal in the Jardin du Luxembourg area for students. Hundreds are expected to attend the event, which is being coordinated with police.

Just minutes before the onset of the holy day, French police asked synagogues to cancel Friday-night services.

Rabbi Emanuel Mergui, editor of fr.chabad.org, reported that many in his neighborhood will indeed be staying home, and that from social media it appears that many synagogues will be shuttered. Yet he believes that many in some of the safer areas of Paris will be attending prayers as usual.

Meanwhile, in Jewish communities all over the globe, ad hoc prayer gatherings are forming. As far as Glastonbury, Conn., Rabbi Yosef Wolvovsky of the Benet Rothstein Chabad Jewish Center has invited his congregants to join a conference call that will include prayer, Torah study and charity.

More details will be provided along with police updates.