The Jewish community in Brooklyn held a 100-day rally at the Holocaust Memorial park in Brooklyn on Sunday, bringing together various Jewish groups to call on the US Government to put more pressure on Hamas to free the American and Israeli hostages they are holding. The event was attended by hundreds of individuals, and it featured powerful speeches from prominent figures in the Jewish community, including rabbis from Sheepshead Bay, Chabad, the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce President Duvi Honig, and Mr. Randolph (Randy) Peers, President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. The rally was hosted by Assemblyman Michael Novakhov, a Russian Jewish immigrant who expressed disbelief at the anti-Semitism experienced by Russian Jews in America and the proposed bill in Albany to deny New York non-profit organizations from raising funds for Israel. The rally also addressed the challenges faced by the Jewish community and emphasized the need for solidarity and support.
The rally was a significant display of unity and strength within the Jewish community, with a diverse range of individuals coming together to advocate for a common cause. The presence of Russian Jews highlighted the struggle and obstacles they faced in their journey to America, only to encounter anti-Semitism in schools and on the streets. This served as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Jewish communities, and the importance of standing together in solidarity.
Assemblyman Michael Novakhov's comments shed light on the shocking reality of anti-Semitism in New York, as he expressed disbelief at the proposed bill in Albany that sought to deny non-profit organizations from raising funds for Israel, painting Israel as a terror group. This demonstrates the importance of raising awareness and advocating against discriminatory legislation that targets the Jewish community. Novakhov's leadership and involvement in the rally underscored the need for representation and advocacy within government to address the concerns and challenges faced by the Jewish community.
Duvi Honig's speech reflected on the resilience and unity of the Jewish people, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds and experiences within the community. His remarks emphasized the strength in standing together, regardless of religious affiliation or societal status. He highlighted the impact of the Iron Curtain on the Jewish community's access to religious education, attributing their resilience to an unshakable Jewish identity. Honig's words resonated with the crowd, affirming the enduring spirit of the Jewish people and their unwavering commitment to unity and strength.
President Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Randy Peers & President of Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce Duvi Honig
The rally also showcased the participation of Holocaust survivors, adding a poignant and deeply personal dimension to the event. Their presence and poignant messages conveyed the enduring trauma of the Holocaust, emphasizing the continued need to combat hatred and discrimination. Holding signs of babies held hostage in Gaza, their presence served as a reminder of the ongoing injustices faced by the Jewish community and the imperative to advocate for the safe return of hostages.
The 100-day rally at the Holocaust Memorial park in Brooklyn was truly a deeply moving and inspiring event, bringing together a diverse range of Jewish groups to advocate for the release of American and Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The rally represented a powerful demonstration of unity, resilience, and advocacy within the Jewish community, addressing contemporary challenges and rallying for a common cause. It served as a reminder of the enduring strength and solidarity of the Jewish people, and the imperative to stand together in the face of adversity. The event will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, reaffirming the unbreakable spirit of Am Yisroel Chai and the unwavering commitment to justice and unity within the Jewish community.