In response to the recent onslaught of Israeli-targeted attacks by Hamas along the Gaza Strip, the Bronx Jewish Center held a “Prayer for Israel” vigil to remember those who were killed or kidnapped.
The Thursday, Oct. 12 event in the Pelham Parkway section of the Bronx, was an evening of unity, solidarity, torah, prayer and charity to acknowledge those who were killed in the recent attack on Israel in the Middle East.
Prayer readings during the vigil included a Memorial Prayer for the Slain, Prayers for our Soldiers, Declaration of Faith and a Prayer for World Peace, read aloud in Hebrew by Rabbi Saadia Pewzner, who also provided words of inspiration to those in attendance.
As of late Monday morning, more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed since the barrage of Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, along with the deaths of 2,750 Palestinians, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The recent attacks which were carried out by Hamas, an Islamic militant movement based in Palestinian territories along the Gaza Strip, took place on the Jewish Sabbath as well as Jewish holiday Simchat Torah, which is Hebrew for “rejoicing the torah.”
The conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, which has been ongoing for the past 75 years, boiled over when Hamas launched a surprise attack by invading Israeli territory, killing and kidnapping Israeli soldiers and civilians, as well as firing rockets at Israel. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched massive airstrikes and declared war on Hamas.
As of Monday afternoon, at least 30 America citizens who were in Israel have also been killed, while 13 other Americans are still unaccounted for.
“Tonight, we can come away with one note — that we’re all responsible for helping and being there for one another,” said Rabbi Saadia Pewzner.
“Unfortunately, right now, people are still dying for no reason — all because of senseless hate,” Pewzner added.
Pewzner also noted that people need to be responsible for one another and help others who are in need, stating that everything positive starts with a mitzvah, Hebrew for “good deed.”
“Seeing this crowd shows a very powerful sentiment for the Bronx — it shows that it doesn’t matter what religion or race you are, because we’re all part of the human race,” he added.
The vigil saw more than 100 people of numerous cultures and races in attendance, along with elected officials including state Sen. Gustavo Rivera, council members Marjorie Velázquez and Rafael Salamanca Jr., Assemblymember John Zaccaro Jr., as well as Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.
A candlelight vigil was also set up in the lobby of the Bronx Jewish Center, located at 900 Pelham Pkwy. S.
“This is a horrifying, devastating event — all stemming from hate,” said Clark, who was also at another Bronx vigil earlier in the week in Riverdale on 239th Street. “We are here for one another — and when you hate one of us, you hate all of us.”
Reach Steven Goodstein at sgoodstein@schnepsmedia.com or (718) 260-4561. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
