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The evening, organized in the wake of ongoing acts of terror in Israel, kicked off with a parade of representatives marching into the sanctuary carrying banners from 41 synagogues and organizations to display their unity with Israel.
"Our community has gathered alongside many others around the world to send a message of strength and unity to the people of Israel, and to the security forces of Israel…. I know that they all hear us,” said Yoav Cohen, Westchester community shaliach (Israel emissary) and the lead organizer of the event.
Following the parade, the audience heard remarks from Kevin Plunkett, deputy county executive; New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin; interreligious community leaders Bishop Martin Nelson of Bezer Holiness Church and Father Brian McWeeney, director of ecumenical and interreligious affairs at the Catholic Archdioceses of New York; and Hon. Nick Minchin, Australian consul general.
The keynote address was delivered by Amir Sagie, the Israeli deputy consul general.
“It is essential for the Jewish community to remain engaged with Israel. Tonight’s event sent a clear message to our elected officials, the Israeli people, and our children that Israel does matter and that the Westchester Jewish community does care,” said Paul Warhit, president of the Westchester Jewish Council.
The program, presented by the Westchester Jewish Council, was organized by Cohen and Yael Lewis, Westchester community shlicha, and co-sponsored by AJC Westchester-Fairfield, Hillels of Westchester, The Jewish Education Project, Kol Hazzanim-the Cantors of Westchester, Rosenthal JCC, UJA-Federation of New York and the Westchester Board of Rabbis.
In addition, over 60 synagogues and organizations were supporting partners of the program.
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