By Rebecca Shalomoff
To acknowledge that both Democratic regions now face a common enemy in terrorism, a rally for America and Israel against terrorism has been organized for 12 noon this Sunday, Dec. 2, at Manhattan's Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 47th Street and Second Avenue.
It will be an opportunity to express solidarity with the victims of criminal violence and terrorism in both countries through prayer, song, personal testimony and inspirational messages, rabbis in the Five Towns said.
Now the whole world is understanding that there is terrorism against American and humanitarian values, said Rabbi Alan Lavin, spiritual leader of Temple Hillel in North Woodmere. This is not just a rally for Jews, but for people of good will.
The event was organized by an interdenominational committee of rabbis from New York and New Jersey, and the prayer vigil is co-sponsored by numerous communal organizations throughout the greater Metropolitan region, including the Five Towns Jewish Council, the Conference of Jewish Organizations of Nassau County and UJA/Federation of New York.
Throughout the course of decades, Israel has been a target of terrorism. Now, unfortunately we see the same in America, said Rabbi Bruce Ginsburg of Congregation Sons of Israel in Woodmere, and one of the eight organizers of the event. We need a common response in being committed to eradicating terror so all people can live in peace and without fear.
The last rally sponsored by the interdenominational group of rabbis was on June 3, when about 10,000 people came together to show their support for Israel. It took place two days after a suicide bomber killed more than 20 people outside a Tel Aviv dance club and less than a week after Sara Blaustein, a former Lawrence resident, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Israel.
I thought it was a marvelous event, Rabbi Ginsburg said of the June rally. The program was full of content and spiritual meaning. The message came out loud and clear that the American Jewish community while fully supporting a peaceful settlement, backs Israel in its right to defend itself fully.
For this Sunday's rally, free bus service to and from Manhattan will be provided. Buses leave at 10 a.m. from Congregation Sons of Israel, 111 Irving Place, Woodmere. For more information or to make bus reservations one may call the Congregation Sons of Israel office at (516) 374-0655.
