Supporting Israel from all sides of Long Beach

The conflict involving Israel and Palestine has been at the forefront of everyone’s news feed. Members of the Long Beach community, community leaders and local officials gathered at Temple Emanu-El in Long Beach Oct. 11 for a rally to support Israel.

“We want to send a loud and clear message,” Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft said, “that here in the greater Long Beach area, we feel your pain and support you in every way that we can. It’s also important to me to demonstrate how different segments of our local community can stand together, shoulder to shoulder, with the Jewish world.”

Attendees and speakers included State Senators Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Kevin Thomas, Long Beach Police Commissioner and Acting City Manager Ron Walsh and faith leaders from all different religious denominations. Zanerhaft also read a message sent by Senator Chuck Schumer, apologizing for not being able to attend in person but “in the face of this slaughter of so many innocent civilians, I share with you a message of resolute solidarity and purpose.”

“How impressive to be standing in front of a community that is united the way Long Beach is,” said Walsh. “Regardless of our differences, at our core we are all human beings, with shared experiences of love and loss, in the pursuit of a better future. While we grieve together, we must all contrive to work together, so that we can coexist side by side, allowing each other to be free. In the face of adversity, our shared humanity can be a source of strength and resilience for us all.”

Senator Fitzpatrick recently traveled to Israel, saying it was a “life-changing experience.”

“It has made this horrific event all that more personal for me,” she said. “As your senator, I am deeply committed to supporting Israel and the Jewish community during this very difficult and trying time.”

Faith leaders who also expressed words of support included Rev. Susan Bock of St. James of Jerusalem Episcopal Church and Pastor TK Kennedy from CenterPoint Church. Bishop Mark Moses of New Life Church of Christ reminded the audience that “only love will conquer hate, so as we stand together in Jewish solidarity, as we continue to pray for the peace and dignity of Israel, let us show love to one another.”

“Thank you to the Jewish community for standing with us in the past,” Bishop Isaac Melton of Christian Light Baptist Church said, “and we are now standing with you.”

Rabbi Zanerhaft said that he hopes all attendees of this rally will also see a bigger picture, that “it’s about the Jews in Israel, but it’s also about any group that is targeted, anyone who is the other, anyone who has been a victim of discrimination. And so we understand that it’s really not just about us, it’s about all peace-loving people.”