Yesterday, we stood shoulder to shoulder alongside hundreds of members of our Buffalo community, Jewish and non-Jewish, in solidarity with Israel and in opposition to the horrific violence occurring in a country that we all have a connection to. 

Right as the rain cleared and the sounds of Cantor Mark Horowitz filled the air, a double rainbow joined in to bring an unforgettable, inspiring moment to the devastating reasons for our gathering. Thus setting the tone for a sacred hour together as a community.  

At the J, we are blessed to care for and work with many Israeli friends, family members, and staff who are part of the very fabric of our community. Many leaders joined us to share their love and support for Israel, uniting in song, prayer, and hope. 

Special thanks to Erie County Executive Mark Polancarz, Adam Fogel, Brenda Feldstein, Sheryl Schechter, Gon Erez from JCC Buffalo, Rob Goldberg from Buffalo Jewish Federation, Rabbi Sara Rich from Temple Beth Tzedek, Rabbi Brent Gutmann from Temple Beth Zion, Pastor Doug Reed from The Tabernacle Eagles Wings, Rabbi Herschel Greenberg from Jewish Discovery Center, Congregation Shir Shalom, Jewish Family Services, Rabbi Laizer Labkovski from Center for Jewish Life, and Pastor Craig Pridgen from True Bethel Baptist Church in Niagara Falls.

     

Our community proudly demonstrates for peace and calls on everyone to remain strong and resilient. We are heartbroken in this moment but will not lose our focus, Am Yisrael Chai.