Groups come together in solidarity for Israel

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Above: Benjamin Krasna, deputy consul of the Israeli Consulate in New York City, speaks during a solidarity rally Monday night at the East Brunswick Jewish Center. Right: Yoav Nessim of East Brunswick and others stand during the Israeli national anthem. The East Brunswick Jewish Center was packed to capacity Monday night as supporters of Israel from all over New Jersey gathered to express their solidarity.

They listened to a firsthand account of life in the area from a resident of Sderot, a town in southern Israel, and heard from religious and civic leaders about the importance of supporting the nation in its military offensive against Hamas-ruled Gaza. The crowd at the Ryders Lane synagogue prayed for a speedy end to the conflict and donated money to help the most innocent victims of war — children. Like other rallies held throughout the United States, this one brought together Jews from different synagogues and denominations, and other supporters for peace in the region.

Such is something one would expect in an event sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, which is based in South River.

"We are a nonprofit agency focused on humanitarian needs. We embrace all denominations," said Mindy Paris- Thurer, the organization's public relations coordinator. The group has expressed regret and sorrow over the loss of life in both Israel and Gaza, and hope for the onset of productive negotiations.

The conflict in Gaza and southern Israel has been intensifying over the past few weeks.

"There are a million people living within range of the Hamas rockets," said Rabbi Aaron Benson of the East Brunswick Jewish Center. "They may have a 15-second notice before they know a bomb is coming their way. I can't imagine what it would be like going about my day knowing I only have 15 seconds to find shelter."

The Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County has started a special program called the Freedom to Play Campaign to help children in the area.

"The kids are much stressed. They can't be more than 15 seconds away from a bomb shelter," Paris- Thurer said.

CHRIS KELLY staff Sael Abecassis, a resident of Sderot, Israel, sings with supporters during a solidarity rally Monday night at the East Brunswick Jewish Center. The lives of children in the region

have been totally disrupted, as they are unable to go to school, play outside or go through their normal routines. Their days are filled with fear. Money raised in the Freedom to Play Campaign goes toward getting them away from the frontlines, so they can be brought to a safe environment where they can enjoy parks, engage in activities, and are given meals and snacks.

According to Rabbi Aryeh Goodman of the Chabad of East Brunswick, many people in Middlesex County have relatives and friends in Israel. News of attacks, injuries and lives lost invoke a strong emotional reaction.

"My wife's grandmother was in the nursing home that was rocketed.Many people get upset and would like to fight, but not everyone can help in that way. People can really help by doing what they do best," Goodman said, noting that the rallies help to keep morale up.

Goodman said he likes to see people doing positive things, especially children. Children at Monday night's rally had a special table with crayons and construction paper so they could write to soldiers involved in the conflict.

The recommended donation to provide a day of play is $53. Those who would like to contribute to the Freedom to Play Campaign can call the Jewish Federation at 732- 432-7711 or visit the Web site www.jewishmiddlesex.org.