Over the last several weeks, the outrage and pain emanating from Jewish communities around the world has affirmed the guiding principle that all Jews are a single family, bound by one heart, with a love for Israel. On Tuesday, July 14, 2014, more than 300 people from local synagogues and the surrounding community came to the Mid-Island Y JCC in prayer to support our brothers and sisters in Israel.
During the one-hour program, local synagogue clergy, Israeli nationals, and others spoke, including, Rick Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Mid-Island Y JCC, Richard Bass, JCRC-LI, Cantor Wolk and Rabbi Deborah Bravo. Our community shlichim, Eilon Goldstein and Tomer Weinberger; and Orna and Ronen Neutra and their family lit candles in memory of Eyal Yifrach, 19; Gilad Shaar, 16; and Naftali Frankel, 16. Rabbi Jay Weinstin and Rabbi Debra Bennet led a prayer for the state of Israel, Rabbi Rank delivered reflections from the community, Rabbi Joel Levenson led a prayer for Israeli soldiers and Rabbi Shalhevet ending the evening with Hatikvah.
Guest speaker, Deputy Consul General Shlomi Kofman, discussed the struggles Israeli’s face on a daily basis and the resilience they exhibit as a nation. In addition, local resident, Zach Bader, a PSW on leave from the IDF, attended and he received a standing ovation from all in attendance.
“It is important that we, as a community, come together in times of happiness, sorrow and prayer so that we can help each other through life’s challenges, said Rick Lewis, Chief Executive Office, Mid-Island Y JCC. “This past evening was truly a testament to how we come together to support a nation that means so much to so many.”
We thank our participating synagogues which included Midway Jewish Center, Temple Chaverim, Congregation Simchat HaLev, Manetto Hill Jewish Center, North Shore Synagogue, Young Israel of Plainview, Temple Shalom and Woodbury Jewish Center.
Wendy Klonsky
Mid-Island Y JCC
