Rockland Residents To Express Support For Israel

The Jewish Federation of Rockland County organized a 6 p.m. “I Stand for Solidarity” rally in front of the Rockland County Courthouse tonight to show support for Israel.  Government and community leaders will discuss the escalating violence between Israel and Gaza. Also, today, Legislator Ilan Schoenberger announced he will introduce a resolution expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks by Hamas and Palestinian groups.

Diane Sloyer, executive director of the Rockland Jewish Federation of Rockland County, said Congressman Eliot Engel, Legislator Ed Day and community leaders will attend.  Rally planners ask participants to bring flashlights or candles for the 45-minute event. The federation issued a statement supporting Israel last week. 

Schoenberger’s resolution states Hamas has launched more than 12,000 rockets and mortars against Israeli population centers since 2001, and has launched more than 6,000 such rockets and mortars since Israel withdrew its civilian population and its military from Gaza in 2005.  Since the beginning of the latest increase in rocket attacks on November 14, Hamas has launched over 1100 rockets aimed at Israeli towns and cities, killing three civilians, wounding scores, and causing significant damage to buildings and property.

“Hamas has increased the range and payload of its rockets, reportedly with support from Iran and others, putting hundreds of thousands of Israelis in major population centers in central Israel, such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, in danger of rocket attacks from Gaza,” said Schoenberger. “This resolution calls upon our State and Federal officials to condemn Hamas and others for their violent actions against Israel and to reaffirm Israel’s right to exist. The burden of responsibility for this continued warfare rests with Hamas.  Israel has every right to defend itself against the prolonged terroristic actions of Hamas and other militant groups.”