Hundreds gather at Palm Beach Synagogue for 'We Stand With Israel' event
It was an evening filled with sobs as about 500 people came together Tuesday at Palm Beach Synagogue for the "We Stand With Israel" event.
The synagogue's event was held in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County in the wake of Saturday's attack in Israel by Hamas that has left more than 1,200 dead, including at least 14 Americans, according to reports.
Speakers included Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore, Palm Beach County Mayor Gregg Weiss, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County President and CEO Michael Hoffman, the synagogue's Rabbi Moshe Scheiner, and Town Council President Margaret Zeidman, who also is vice chair of Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
More: Palm Beach religious leaders condemn Hamas attack against Israel
Scheiner offered words of comfort to hundreds of grieving members of the community in attendance.
"As King Solomon writes in the Book of Proverbs, 'A little bit of light banishes a great deal of darkness,' " he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Town Council, Moore said through tears, "Please know we will stand with you shoulder to shoulder in solidarity for the state of Israel."
Those in the audience included Holocaust survivors Jacqueline Goldman and Aron Bell, both of Palm Beach, who held Israeli flags.
During the evening, three cards were handed out to the audience.
The first says "We Love You" in Hebrew. People were asked to write notes of love and support to Israeli soldiers on the frontline with Gaza and on the northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based. Scheiner said the cards would be delivered to the soldiers by community members.
The second set of cards has images of the people captured by Hamas and taken into Gaza. Each card featured the photo and name of a captive on the front and a prayer on the back. People were asked to take a card home and pray for their safe return.
These cards are available at the synagogue.
The third card says "United for Israel" and inside are prayers to say daily for Israel as well as for its leaders, citizens and soldiers. The back features a call to action and lists six things that people can do.
More: 'Barbaric': Palm Beach officials denounce Hamas attacks against Israel
Reflecting on Tuesday's event, Scheiner told the Daily News Wednesday that this has been a week filled with sadness and pain as details of the attack emerged.
"But I think as everybody walked out last night feeling there was a feeling of comfort, strength in unity and a measure of hope for the future to be bright," he said.
Scheiner said it was good to the see the support of good people of conscience.
"We know that the forces of good are greater than those of the evil terrorists," he said adding that most people are kind and loving and share in the resolve the get rid of this kind of evil — whether it's Hamas or similar groups.
Scheiner told Tuesday's gathering that synagogue members Tony and Vanessa Beyer had pledged to match all donations, up to $500,000. Details on how to donate will be posted on the synagogue's website. The goal is to raise $1 million for Israel, he said.
The synagogue also is putting together a delegation medics and doctors that will be going to Israel to work on the frontlines, Scheiner said.
Members of Palm Beach Police, the Florida Highway Patrol and private security personnel were present at the rally because of heightened security concerns.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Hundreds gather at Palm Beach Synagogue in support of Israel
