By:Tom Jordan
Rabbi Barry Dov Schwartz of Temple B'nai Sholom is on a mission in Israel this week to bring comfort to the victims of recent terrorist attacks and to pray for peace in the Holy Land.
Though Schwartz visits Israel annually, this time he is bringing a delegation of rabbis, 21 of them, representing three denominations of Judaism - orthodox, conservative and reform.
"We're going to support the solidarity of Israelis, but also to pray for peace with the Palestinians. We're hoping that, in time, the Palestinians will seek peace, not terrorism. We're neighbors, after all," Schwartz said last week, before leaving Sunday for a week-long sojourn. The delegation will meet with the Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the mayor of Jerusalem, Ehud Olmert, and many of the people injured in the June bombing of a Tel Aviv disco.
"Some are still in the hospital. We'll wish them well, say prayers. There is a lot to do," said Schwartz, who will begin his 28th year as rabbi of Temple B'nai Sholom in August.
Schwartz has organized similar trips in the past for his congregation, but felt a need for the delegation because of escalated turmoil in the mid-east. The idea received great support from the New York Board of Rabbis, stationed in Manhattan. Mark Geldna of the board of rabbis has joined Schwartz in Israel.
He hopes in future visits to be joined by Christian leaders as well.
Despite the middle-east fighting, Schwartz expressed little hesitancy about his visit.
"There was bombing there today. Am I afraid? I can't say that I'm not a little apprehensive. But every time I go, I feel totally secure. Security in Israel is so tight, beginning at the airport. I also can't deny that in the Holy Land [there is] a feeling of divine providence. I'm never fearful, just apprehensive."
Schwartz's wife Sonia will be with him. His daughter Tamar, 17, is there volunteering for a summer program. Schwartz worries about her safety, but there is always worry for the father of a teenager.
"I feel very gratified that she wanted to be there and I support her. She just got her driver's license. I'm more fearful when she takes the car at night than I am about her being in Israel."
Schwartz's two sons, Jonathan and Avi, visit Israel often. Just like them, the rabbi's desire for peace outweighs his fear.
"My love of the country is stronger than my fear of the enemy."
