by Jerry Burke
Unlike other gatherings sponsored by large national organizations, two young people who wanted to do more for their community organized West Hempstead's effort. Sruli Szpigiel and Hanna Cohen put the rally together which welcomed, among other speakers, Rabbi Gottesman of the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County and Rabbi Kelemer of West Hempstead Young Israel, Assemblyman Tom Alfano, and teenager Miriam Shushan, a victim of the Sbarro terrorist attack.
Szpigiel came up with the idea because he wanted to show his support for Israel. He called on Lisa Stepner, Co-Chair of the West Hempstead Young Israel Social Action Committee, and preparations began. Other young people and parents in the community also contributed their help, such as Michael and Dafna Adler and student Hanna Cohen, along with countless others who worked to make the rally a great success.
"I wanted to do something so that kids could get involved and show their support for the state of Israel," said Szpigiel, a 7th grader, adding "I also wanted to do it in the neighborhood and get everybody involved. I was really happy with the turnout and how people stood with Israel." The turnout was indeed a success as it attracted over 200 neighborhood families to the parking lot of the Hebrew Academy off Nassau Boulevard.
During the rally, Alfano praised the two young people who were behind it. "There are those who talk and there are those who do, and Sruli and Hanna did a great job in organizing this event for our young people. They got everyone involved and worked together to educate the community and organize a very powerful and emotional event that will be remembered for a long time in West Hempstead."
Those taking part in the rally put signs up around the parking lot of the Hebrew Academy on Nassau Boulevard ranging from "Israel is Isreal" to American and Israeli Flags with Hebrew writings. The rally kicked off with the Star Spangled Banner and the playing of the Israeli national anthem.
Szpigiel introduced Assemblyman Alfano who addressed the crowd about Israel and America's special bond of friendship and support. "Israel understands that peace through strength works" said Alfano noting "I look forward to the day where we can say to our grandchildren that terrorism is a thing of the past and that we now live in peace and security."
Lisa Stepner, Co-Chair of the Social Action Committee with Michael Adler, noted "Our children view daily in their homes and schools the love for Israel, and they're taught to come out and show support in good times and bad. What better way to demonstrate that love and support particularly now than to come to a rally in support of Israel and to support the victims of terror. Many of these victims are children themselves. I'm proud to have helped made this rally possible and I hope and trust that many of our youth will be inspired to act as Sruli Szpigiel did."
Rabbis Kelemer and Gottesman also spoke to those assembled and offered prayers of hope and resolve to those gathered. The most touching moment of the rally came when Miriam Shushan spoke to those assembled about her own personal experience of the Sbarro terror bombing late last year. Shushan told her story of the ambulance sirens and the people coming to give aid and comfort during the attack. In the terror attack, the young girl lost her younger sister and was injured. Shushan is still recovering from injuries she sustained.
Her words and strength for talking about her experience so openly with all those assembled noticeably moved attendees. "She is one of the unsung heroes you never get to hear from in this struggle," Alfano said. Other speakers included Miriam Borenstein, a teenager who went on a mission to Israel earlier this year. Borenstein spoke about the experiences she has as a teenager in the State. Yoni Berg also spoke of how his mother Sara was killed in a drive-by shooting this year by terrorists. Berg plans to move to Israel next year.
Love of America and freedom was also expressed by Hanna Cohen, a co-organizer with Szpigiel, as she expressed her love of America, its freedoms and the State of Israel. She talked about their unique and long lasting relationship in good times and bad.
The Social Action Committee for West Hempstead Young Israel coordinated part of the organizational effort for the rally along with the HANC PTA, Bnai Akiva and Youth Group of Young Israel. In recognition of the effort for the Israel Rally, Alfano awarded three citations of merit to Szpigiel, Cohen and the Social Action Committee.
Dafna Adler played a large role in the coordination of the event by informing community organizations to the youth effort. "It's encouraging that events happening so far away are still close to the heart. Especially because this was an idea from the youth of our community who are potentially the leaders of the next generation. As a community, it's important for us to show Israel and America our continued support."
