Themselves reeling from Greece’s financial tailspin, but appalled at the anarchy and violence that reigned throughout the capital on Wednesday, members of Athens’ 3,000-strong Jewish community turned to prayer in the hope that stability would regain a foothold in their country.

“People are not sure about what the future holds,” reported Rabbi Mendel Hendel, whose Chabad-Lubavitch center has become a rallying point for Jewish tourists wanting to assess the situation, as well as local residents looking for jobs or assistance. “Everyone is upset. Nothing is stable.”

Although riots have flared periodically in Athens over the past couple of years, things appeared to take a turn for the worst as an estimated 100,000 protesters stormed the central business district to demonstrate against austerity measures announced by the government on May 2. Three people died in a firebomb attack on a local bank on Wednesday, further underscoring the plight facing Greece as it struggles to deal with its sovereign debt.

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The announcement of an infusion of 110 billion Euros in loans from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund did little to quell the crisis.

“Our hearts go out to the victims in yesterday’s attack,” said Hendel.

Turning to the local economy, the rabbi said that Jewish community members had lost their jobs. Nationwide, the unemployment level spiked to more than 10 percent.

“We are here to help,” said Hendel, who has been utilizing contacts across several different industries to try to connect people with work. “We’ve been offering what little financial help we can. Others just need encouragement and moral support.”

Although the Chabad House is located near the demonstrations, the rabbi said that it was safe to walk around during the day before the scheduled riots heat up. Nighttime programs, such as the center’s Rohr Jewish Learning Institute adult education course tonight, are up in the air.

“Travelers want to know if it is safe to come, or to visit the community’s synagogues and museum,” added Hendel. “But I’m recommending that people stay away during the demonstration.

“Above all, we’re praying,” he continued. “We’re praying that peace takes hold.”