Staten Island Community Unites in Prayer, Love, and Solidarity, Expressing Unwavering Support for Israel

Staten Island Community Unites in Prayer, Love, and Solidarity, Expressing Unwavering Support for Israel

Edited by: TJVNews.com

On October 15, 2023, the South Beach Boardwalk on Staten Island’s east shore became the epicenter of an inspiring gathering where the Staten Island community came together for a Rally in Prayer, Love, and Unity to express its resolute support and solidarity with Israel. Organized by the Staten Island Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO), the event was a moving testament to the unwavering bond between Staten Island and Israel. The rally focused on the October 7, terror attack in Israel, during which roughly 1,300 Israelis were murdered and some 199 and 1422 were injured abducted as hostages.

Scott Maurer, CEO and Executive Vice-President of COJO, who spearheaded the event, underscored the significance of the gathering. Addressing a crowd of approximately 2,000 attendees, ranging from children to seniors, Maurer opened with a poignant question: “What are we going to do?” He emphasized that the recent tragic attack by Hamas militants, commencing on October 7th, has not only shocked the world with its brutality but has also ignited a profound sense of unity and a compelling call to action. Maurer rallied the crowd, stating, “Our collective mission today is to stand together in support of the people of Israel, to convey our unwavering support, and to actively make a difference.” His words were met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

Rabbi Aharon Zeev, Aur Torah Sephardic Minyan, commenced the unity rally with an invocation beseeching the A-Mighty for a quick swift end to the conflict, the safe return of the hostages and the shielding and protecting of the Israeli Defense Forces as they face off to defend Israel and to obliterated Hamas and the terrorists responsible for these reckless and wanton  acts of terror, murder, and mayhem.

Rabbi Yochanan Ivry of Congregation Toras Emes brought a spiritual perspective, reminding the audience that “the eyes of G-d are upon the Holy Land.” He delved into the historical context of the  Simchat Torah terror attack in southern Israel, drawing connections to age-old anti-Semitic behavior that has persisted for thousands of years. Rabbi Ivry’s grandfather Rabbi Chaim Yaakov Mishkinsky HY’D was murdered together with his family and the Jewish residents of his village Svisloch, a small-town Belarus in November 1942  Rabbi Mishinsky’s final words which he recited together with his entire community was the Shema Yisrael prayer. Today we witness that same evil and tragedy conducted by the Hamas.

Rabbi Eli Kogan of the Jewish Russian Learning Center called upon attendees to make a commitment to action, stating that only light can vanquish darkness. He stressed that the rally demonstrated Staten Island’s profound love and support for Israel.

Rabbi Zeev Kushnirsky of the Jewish Russian Learning Center of South Beach noted that, regardless of religious or political affiliations, the Staten Island community was united in its desire to support the people of Israel. He called for an end to appeasement of terrorists and their supporters, urging attendees to commit to acts of kindness, charity, and the observance of Torah and Mitzvots.

The rally, which featured Jewish prayers, the singing of Psalms, and inspirational speeches, served as evidence of the collective strength and love felt by the Staten Island community for their brothers and sisters thousands of miles away, as highlighted by Rabbi Levi Katzman of Chabad of the South Shore who stated, “the harmonic prayers for peace demonstrated today at this rally is amazing and inspiring. The power of prayer is a powerful tool that we hope G-d will listen to and accept with love, compassion and mercy. My there be a swift resolution to this war on terror and may this threat of evil terror be obliterated once and for all.”

Rabbi Mendy Katzman, of Chabad Lubavitch of Staten Island, emphasized the interconnectedness of the Jewish people, stating that every mitzvah performed by one Jew anywhere in the world has a powerful, protective influence on fellow Jews. He encouraged the community to increase their acts of kindness and charity and not to have any fear. The most repeated word in the Torah is Al Teirah, do not fear.

Rabbi David Chandalov, Exhibit J stated, “the positive energy demonstrated today reflects a strong and robust community united in support of Israel. I pray that today’s unity rally is successful and our joint prayers and supportive feelings help create positive vibes that will give us the ability to overcome this difficult time.”

Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon declared that “Hamas must be stopped.” He pledged to work closely with the NYPD to combat hate crimes and violence, assuring there would be no tolerance for hate, anti-Semitism, and violence under his watch. He ended with the words Ani Yisraeli; I am also an Israeli.

Senator Andrew Lanza highlighted that the conflict in Israel is not merely a dispute between two sides but a battle between good and evil. He expressed his pride in standing with Israel during these challenging times. He said that the war waging now is between humanity and terror.

Alexi Lopukon spoke about his son’s decision to become an Israeli citizen and join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), stating that his son represents the entire community and the Jewish people.

Orit Lender, executive director of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island pledged the continued support of the JCC to Israel and reiterated her agency’s commitment of helping Israel in conjunction with COJO and other partners in bringing relief to Israel and its people. “I am proud to work with COJO our borough’s great umbrella organization, I am thrilled that our great collaborative efforts are able to galvanize the community during this difficult time.”

Mendy Mirocznik, President of COJO, thanked the JCC and stated, “we in Staten Island are fortunate to have a great partner and friend in the JCC. It is thanks to the COJO-JCC partnership we are able to mobilize and accomplish as successful as we do.” Mirocznik then shared his heartfelt prayers,” for peace and the well-being of those affected by the conflict. I pray for peace and for all those whose hearts are aching. We feel for the victims of war and pray that the casualties to the Israeli soldiers and innocent civilians caught up in the war be at a minimal. He stressed the importance of “setting the record straight in the face of media and the avoidance of historical inaccuracies.” Mirocznik prayed for the safe return of hostages, the eradication of terror, and the establishment of lasting peace and tranquility.

The most amazing Mitzva was that well over 500 men put Tefillin on and equally well over 500 women commitment to lighting Shabbos candles. Additionally, 6 Chapters of Psalms were distributed and recited in unison by the crowd as well as the children recitation of the 12 Verses of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. This truly was done as the Lubavitcher Rebbe prescribed in times of distress a moment the Lubavitcher Rebbe would be proud of.