'We wanted to show our support': Ocala's Temple Beth Shalom hosts Standing With Israel Vigil
More than 100 people gathered Wednesday at Temple Beth Shalom in southwest Ocala to show their support for Israel, whose citizens were killed and tortured in a surprise terrorist attack over the weekend.
Among the dead and missing were Americans. Some of the victims were attending a music festival that celebrated peace.
Israel has launched a counter-offensive by bombing sections of Gaza, and more than 2,000 people total from both sides have died in the conflict, according to media reports.
Remembering Israel
Thousands of miles away, the pain, suffering and loss of lives in Israel has touched scores of Ocala residents whose hearts and minds are with the victims and their families.
Rabbi Erin Boxt, leader of Temple Beth Shalom, gave three reasons for Wednesday's Standing With Israel Vigil: to provide an opportunity for the Jewish community and for all who love Israel to comfort each other; to send prayers of comfort, strength and healing to their brothers and sisters in Israel; and to pray for peace for all humankind.
Boxt, standing behind the Bema, was the host of the nearly 45-minute service. He told the approximately 120 people in attendance that they were all there to show "solidarity and support" for Israel.
The service was filled with videos shown on a large-screen monitor, songs, prayers, and scripture readings in both Hebrew and English.
There were prayers for the victims, Israel, those captured, and the sick.
The congregation
Ocala Mayor-Elect Ben Marciano, who attended the service, said he and his family are praying for the people of Israel.
"It breaks my heart," Marciano said.
He was asked to join with the congregation in support, and he did so. "It was the right thing to do," he said. Marciano urges everyone to come together and support each other.
Janet Kreisman, who is Jewish, said her heart is saddened by what she has seen and heard. She has family in Israel and is concerned because she hasn't heard from them.
"I'm hoping they're safe," she said.
Clifford and Debra Eagle, who are not Jewish, were among those in attendance. "We wanted to show our support," Debra Eagle said. Her husband said the video footage of the carnage saddens him.
Steve and Carol Lazarus said their oldest daughter, son-in-law, and their grandchildren — ages 9, 11 and 13 — are in Israel. The couple said they've spoken to the family.
Steve Lazarus said he needed to get away from the television and go to the vigil to show his support.
"I wish I was there," he said, referring to Israel.
Security at home
Though the violence in the Middle East is far away, the congregation is reminded they cannot let their guard down.
Outside the temple Wednesday was an armed Marion County Sheriff's Office deputy.
Kay Fleischaker, president of Temple Beth Shalom, said they employ law enforcement officials for security at every service because Jews "are always a target."
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Fleischaker said they have internal security, cameras and alarms to "keep us secure."
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: The community come together to remember Israel at SW Ocala's Temple Beth Shalom
