Community Stands with Israel

As Operation Cast Lead was entering its third week and rockets were raining on Southern Israel, the Jewish communities around the country held a week of solidarity with Israel. Rallies and gatherings in support of Israel’s right to defend herself drew tens of thousands of participants. On Sunday, January 11, 2009, the Jewish community of Greater New Bedford and its friends in the general community came together to demons rate their steadfast support of Israel in her plight for peace. The Community Peace Service In Support of Israel was sponsored by Ahavath Achim Synagogue, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Bedford, Tifereth Israel Congregation, the National Council of Jewish Women, and the Jewish War Veterans Post 154, and was held at Tifereth Israel. Cantor Nathaniel Schudrich opened the Service by leading in the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner and Hatikvah. Judy Pollack, Federation Vice president and moderator of the program, provided a broad background of the current conflict. In his opening thoughts, Rabbi Raphael Kanter of Tifereth Israel Congregation expressed a concern for the loss of human life and a desire for true and lasting peace.

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