by Jill Huber
NJJN Bureau Chief/Monmouth

January 20, 2009

In a show of support for Israel during the crisis in Gaza, more than 400 people attended a solidarity rally on Jan. 13 at the Chai Building of Marlboro Jewish Center/Congregation Ohev Shalom.

“A Night of Solidarity with Israel” was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County and the organization’s Community Relations Committee and cosponsored by area synagogues and agencies. The rally featured speakers from the Jewish community and remarks from elected officials, all of whom called for support of Israel’s current military action.

“This is about Jewish unity,” Rabbi Toni Shy, religious leader of Marlboro Jewish Center/Ohev Shalom, told NJ Jewish News before the rally. “All of us are uniting our voices as we join other voices and hearts all over the world. Our people in Israel are under attack and bleeding, and we stand with them; we are one with them.”

The war’s cost in human lives must not be overlooked, she said.

“Hamas is a serious enemy, and they have no compunction about killing innocent civilians,” said Shy. “While Israeli innocents are their targets and their Palestinian neighbors are their sacrifices, both are our heartbreak. What a vile war these terrorists force us to fight.”

The Jewish state has had a singular aim since its inception, Shy added.

“Israel has always wanted to live side-by-side with its neighbors in peace,” she said. “But we must be allowed to live in peace, and so we are forced to fight. That is why we are here — to stand with Israel as she fights to live in peace.”

CRC chair Toby Shylit Mack of Marlboro said Israel has demonstrated unprecedented concern for the safety of the civilians in Gaza.

“The Israeli military, while enemies are firing thousands of rockets at it, has shown unparalleled concern for the people of Gaza,” she said. “Israel has sent warnings through phone calls, e-mails, and text messages that said military action was imminent. No other nation at war has taken these measures.”

The warnings have provided those in Gaza with ample time to seek shelter, unlike the 15-second warning that alerts Israelis to incoming rockets, she added.

“The United States is right to support Israel,” said Shylit Mack, “and Israel has the right to defend itself from an enemy attack. It will continue to defend itself and its civilians.”

‘Steadfast commitment’

LTC Guy Chernobrov, Israeli liaison to Fort Monmouth, said the show of support sends a clear message to politicians here and abroad.

“Solidarity events are extremely effective,” said Chernobrov. “They have a cumulative effect on policy-makers. There is a real sense of support in Monmouth County — the entire community has mobilized for the cause.”

That community includes the State Senate, which introduced a resolution in support of Israel.

“Every corner of the state should have one voice on this issue,” Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Dist. 12) told NJJN. “We must all stand tall and condemn terrorist actions with one voice.”

“Our commitment to the Jewish homeland in Israel is steadfast,” added Rabbi Jonathan Roos of Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls. “We add our voices to that support. Sadly, there will be a loss of innocent lives, but we must be a free people in our land.”

Despite the threat of enemy aggression, Israel has reacted with caution, said Rabbi Brooks Susman, religious leader of Congregation Kol Am in Freehold.

“It has shown restraint for many years, but Israel has the right under international law to defend its people against evil and destructive forces,” he said. “If Israel backs down, these forces become even more dangerous. Terrorism can’t be made ‘right’ — it must be eliminated.”

Those interested in making a donation to the Monmouth federation’s Israel Emergency Campaign, which is funding food provisions, youth respite activities, and educational programs in southern Israel, may call the federation office at 732-531-6200.

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