Halifax Stands with Israel
By Mark David, Consultant, Advocacy (AJC).
The evening of July 23, Shaar Shalom Synagogue in Halifax was the scene of a community gathering, Singing, Solidarity and Hope for Israel, organized by the Atlantic Jewish Council and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). Howard Conter, past President of the AJC and current Atlantic Canada UJA Campaign Chair and Co-Chair of P2G Atlantic, hosted the event attended by more than 250 pro-Israel supporters. The evening featured a lively program with speeches and songs that brought the Jewish community and friends together.
he evening of July 23, Shaar Shalom Synagogue in Halifax was the scene of a community gathering, Singing, Solidarity and Hope for Israel, organized by the Atlantic Jewish Council and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). Howard Conter, past President of the AJC and current Atlantic Canada UJA Campaign Chair and Co-Chair of P2G Atlantic, hosted the event attended by more than 250 pro-Israel supporters. The evening featured a lively program with speeches and songs that brought the Jewish community and friends together.
Rabbi Ari Isenberg, spiritual leader of Shaar Shalom, shared his experiences in Israel during the conflict via Shaar Shalom’s co-President Mark Rosen. The Rabbi’s first-hand account of life in Israel today was riveting and reminded people of how the conflict is impacting daily life in Israel. Also bringing greetings were Canada’s Minister of National Defence, the Hon. Robert Nicholson, and Liberal MP Scott Brison. Both Minister Nicholson and Mr. Brison focused their remarks on Israel’s right – and obligation – to defend herself and her citizens and on the many core liberal democratic values shared by Canada and Israel. This was followed by an address from Israel’s Deputy Consul-General Alon Melchior, who updated the gathering on latest developments.
Reminding the community that they are not alone, Pastor Clyde Lowe of Aylesford Baptist Church, who was accompanied by about 25 of his congregants, gave stirring remarks about his love for the Jewish people and Israel. Several members of Bridges for Peace were present as were many other pro-Israel Christians.
The Camp Kadimah Choir performed, and the Prayer for Israel and the Prayer for the IDF were chanted by David Zer-Aviv, a former IDF paratrooper now living in Halifax.
The evening concluded with an emotional rendition of Hatikvah.
Please read the complete article: http://www.cija.ca/community-partners/halifax-stands-with-israel/