Thousands rallied in Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Long Island Tuesday night to show support for Israel and Jewish people around the world.
Led by Bruce Blakeman, the first Jewish Nassau County executive, the county organized the rally that included more than 40 elected officials from both major political parties and leaders from different faiths.
After a musical interlude from Cantor Nissim Saal, Rabbi Anchelle Perl, the leader of the Chabad of Mineola spoke. “Here on Long Island we are rallying behind our brothers and sisters, no matter our religious affiliation, no matter our political persuasions, we come together in our desire to support the people of Israel,” he said. “We must stop appeasing terrorists, and their supporters,” Perl’s words brought cheers and hollers from the crowd.
The rabbi continued, “No matter our religious affiliation, no matter political persuasions, we come unified in a desire to support the people of Israel and we ask ourselves how can we make a difference?
“It is clear to all that this is a war against evil, and although we may be physically distant from the battles raging in Israel, we are all called upon to participate in the spiritual battle against evil by increasing acts of goodness and kindness.”
The Rebbe’s Wishes
In addition to standing in solidarity with Israel with our presence and our words, please stand in solidarity through action. It is during these times that we turn to the words of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who gave us clear, strong and empowering guidance for such situations, the 6 Day War, the Yom Kippur War, namely to fortify our faith and take practical actions. This is done by the study of Torah, added prayer and charity. The Rebbe also reminded us that mitzvahs can impact the outcome of our efforts. Putting on Tefillin, Lighting Shabbat Candles and the security provided by a kosher mezuzah!
We, the Jewish people, are all one body. What happens to the foot impacts the head, and vice versa. Every mitzvah one Jew does, anywhere in the world, has a powerful, protective influence on our fellow Jews living in Israel. So, do even ONE MORE MITZVAH and with Hashem’s help, we will collectively see remarkable salvation very soon!
There is a saying that if you want to know how bad things are, read newspapers, but if you want to elevate yourself, read history and history tells us that any nation or individual that has tried to destroy the Jewish people have ended up in the dustbins of history!
The Jewish Mission
Somehow the Jewish people still trigger profound sentiments, in one direction or another. Since the day Abraham began his journey, the world has been anything but indifferent to the Jew. Some people love Jews, others don’t, but nobody can ignore them. Despite not numbering even one-quarter of one percent of humanity, the world is obsessed with Israel. Do you need better proof that our role in history is as vibrant as ever? That we are Divine ambassadors to fill the world with truth, justice, and love, with acts of goodness and kindness, for the world is longing to hear our voice.
We must not duck in fear and insecurity. We must speak the truth and fight every expression of evil and hatred. The world respects Jews who respect their history, their heritage, and their faith.
Today we are here to tell you of the strength and continuity of our people, the house of Israel, the soul of Israel, the Land of Israel, the spirit of our people and our faith, is alive and well. We stand confidently with you. We will not let you down. We will defend and continue to build the Jewish home, the Jewish people, and Judaism like never before.
The Rabbi concluded by inviting everyone to join together in the Shema Yisroel prayer, this four-thousand-year-old chorus, made up of the voices of all the Jews, who say these words at the best of times and the most difficult of times, whose power and holiness have carried us till this day.
The Shluchim on Long Island thanked Rabbi Zalman Wolowik, leader of Chabad of the 5 Towns, for coordinating Chabad’s major participation.
