Pro-Israel rally held in Rockland as hostilities mount
NEW CITY – Violence between the Israel Defense Forces and Hamas militants intensified Thursday as an Israeli ground invasion of the Gaza Strip looked increasingly likely. But at the Rockland County Courthouse, there was song as prayers in support of the Jewish state were sent out over a peaceful sunset.
The rally began with a moment of silence for Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaer, Eyal Yifrah, the Israeli teens whose deaths preceded this most recent bout of violence, and for Mohammed Abu Khdeir, the Palestinian teen killed in revenge.
Robert Grosser, co-president of the Jewish Federation of Rockland County, which organized the event, then addressed about 200 people in attendance.
"Together we stand strong as a united Rockland community in support of Israel and her right to defend herself using whatever appropriate means are necessary to ensure the safety of the state and safety of the citizens," he said to loud applause.
Similar messages were delivered throughout the night as local Jewish and elected leaders spoke of unity and urged people to pray for and donate to the Israeli cause. Many also spoke about their experiences in the Jewish homeland and read first-hand accounts from loved ones living there.
David Terdiman, 46, of Mahwah, N.J., said he had close friends who had moved to Israel from the United States.
"They're concerned for their physical safety, but they know they're in the right place and that's where they belong. Israel is their home," Terdiman said. "They have young children and know what to do —they know what steps are necessary when the alerts sound and they're all prepared. But that doesn't mean they're not scared."
Though the sound of air raid sirens has been common in cities across Israel in recent days, the country's Iron Dome missile defense system had, by Thursday night, prevented Hamas rockets from causing any fatalities.
The same cannot be said for those living in the Gaza Strip, where the Associated Press quoted Palestinian medical officials reporting 85 killed and 300 wounded by the Israeli bombs that have fallen since Tuesday. Dozens of the dead and injured were said to be civilians.
Israel says it does everything possible to avoid civilian casualties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Hamas of hiding behind Palestinian civilians.
President Barack Obama called Netanyahu to offer U.S. support and urged both sides to restore calm. The White House said the United States is willing to "facilitate a cessation of hostilities."