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Jews pray over Mideast conflict
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Dr. Bernard Schultz prays at the Jewish Community Center in Youngstown
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Holocaust survivor Bill Vegh prays in the hall way at the Jewish Community Center in Youngstown Thursday January 8, 2009
One speaker asked for prayers ‘for the innocents on both sides.’
YOUNGSTOWN — Members of the Jewish community shared facts, feelings and fears about the escalating military conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza during a program Thursday night as part of the national Week of Solidarity in Support of Israel.
They also shared their faith, by asking people of all faiths to pray for resolution to the conflict and demonstrating their belief in the power of prayer by praying before and during the presentation, which took place at the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane.
Rabbi Joel Berman of Congregation Ohev Tzedek in Boardman began the program by asking participants to take a “moment to pray and a moment to cry.” Rabbi Berman, who lived in Israel for 11 years, said the country wants “construction, not destruction.”
Alan Kretzer, president of the Jewish Community Relations Council, said the gathering of about 150 people was reflective of similar events being held throughout the United States as a show of solidarity. He also asked for “prayerful support of Israel and for the innocents on both sides.”
Kretzer asked the audience to “be educated about the crisis” and contact their senators and representatives about their support of Israel.
Alan Mirkin, president of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, presented a statement in support of Israel. “We have always been on the record as supporters of a two-state solution to the Mideast crisis, which would result in the creation of a free, democratic Palestinian state, not compromised by terror, living side by side in peace with Israel. We believe in this vision today.”
But, he pointed out, though Israel completely disengaged from Gaza in 2005, “more than 6,300 rockets were fired from Gaza at the homes, schools and synagogues of Israel’s southern communities” since then. Mirkin noted the rockets didn’t target military bases or industrial sites, but places where innocent Israeli citizens were.
“Like any sovereign nation, Israel has a moral right and responsibility to defend its citizens,” he said.
Mirkin noted that it was Hamas that ended a six-month cease-fire negotiated by Egypt and also fired more than 100 rockets on Israel on Christmas Day.
Hamas is a Palestinian organization committed to eliminating Israel and replacing it with an Islamic state. Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and some other nations for its attacks on Israel.
Mirkin put the blame on Hamas for the tragedy at the school in Jebaliya, where some 30 Palestinians were killed. “Hamas intentionally operates within heavily populated neighborhoods, as well as schools and mosques. ... While every innocent civilian casualty is a tragedy, it is explained in part by the fact that Israel does all it can to protect its citizens, while Hamas uses noncombatants in Gaza as human shields,” he said.
The Rev. Lewis Macklin, pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, said he believes “peace can ... should ... will exist.”
The Rev. Mr. Macklin called the conflict a “PR nightmare” for Israel for many reasons. “Israel didn’t start the fighting; it’s defending itself,” he said. “It’s our nature to protect the ones we love.”
He pointed out “terrorists create their own rules.” The deaths at the school are getting much media attention, but he asked why rocket harassment by Hamas on Israel for years hasn’t gained much news attention.
Personal insights were offered by Dr. Bernard Schultz, whose son and family live in Israel; Howard Kessler, who lives in Israel and is on a planned visit to the United States; and Rachel Lipkin, who took a trip to Israel in 2007 as part of a group of 30 Jewish teens.
Rabbi Joseph Schonberger of Temple El Emeth in Liberty Township addressed the topic of anti-Semitism. “Israel faces a new threat to annihilate Jewish souls,” he said. He mentioned the continued use of anti-Jewish caricatures.
Rabbi Binyomin Simon of Children of Israel in Liberty Township asked the audience to “think of one soldier who is risking his life to save others. Pray for that one soldier.”
Mac Clebone, who teaches at the Hebrew school at JCC, said he “supported Israel in its effort for peace” and noted that there is “hardship on both sides.”
Martin Hume, president of Congregation Rodef Sholom, offered a prayer for Israel and peace.