A Night of Solidarity for Israel on July 15, 2014 at JD Hamel Park, Sarasota
More than 350 people gathered on July 15 at J.D. Hamel Park in downtown Sarasota for a Night of Solidarity for Israel. Dr. Lewis Hanan, co-chair of Federation’s Israel Emergency Committee, described Israel’s defensive efforts against Hamas and the events leading up to it. Amber Ikeman and Jeremy Dictor opened the program in song and the audience was addressed by Rev. Dr. Tom Pfaff, Chairman of the Sarasota Ministerial Association; Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, Chabad of Sarasota; and Rabbi Michael Werbow, Temple Beth Sholom. Past Federation President Ian Black had returned from Israel the day before. He shared the experience of hearing a siren and having 15 seconds to run to a bomb shelter. Black saw the Iron Dome take down a rocket sent by Hamas.
Left-to-right: Rev. Dr. Tom Pfaff, Chairman of the Sarasota Ministerial Association; Dr. Lewis Hanan, co-chair of Federation’s Israel Emergency Committee; Past Federation President Ian Black; Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, Chabad of Sarasota; and Rabbi Michael Werbow, Temple Beth Sholom.
The Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Gospel Choir closed the program which was followed by a candlelit march along the bayfront.
The Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Gospel Choir performs at A Night of Solidarity for Israel on July 15, 2014
Supporters of Israel walk along the bayfront of Sarasota during A Night of Solidarity for Israel on July 15, 2014
A supporter of Israel looks on during A Night of Solidarity for Israel on July 15, 2014
The event was coordinated by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (http://www.thejewishfederation.org) and The Heller Israel Advocacy Initiative (http://www.sarasotalovesisrael.com). Special thanks to the event speakers, performers & volunteers; the City of Sarasota; the Sarasota Police Department; and everyone who attended.
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