There were hundreds of people (estimates of anywhere from 500-800) who gathered on Thursday evening on Nov 2, together at a very moving prayer vigil for the safe and immediate return of 240 hostages that are being held by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad and individual Palestinians in Gaza -including babies and children- who were kidnapped on Oct 7 from communities in Southern Israel and have not been even been visited by the Red Cross. They are believed to be hidden in the network of underground tunnels in Gaza.
This was the largest gathering of the pro-Israel community at the Manitoba Legislature in many many years, yet, unfortunately I was not able to find on the internet any media coverage from the general media of the event, notwithstanding that the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg notified the general media to the event. (This is to be compared to a pro-Palestinian rally two days later which received extensive general media coverage). Is this not a sign of media bias?
A number of rabbis read prayers, including Rabbis Avrohom Altein (who spoke of the need to light Shabbat candles) , Kliel Rose and Anibal Mass. Rabbi Yosef Benarroch, who had just returned from Israel two days prior, spoke of the unity of spirit and purpose that exists in Israel to topple Hamas rule in Gaza. He noted that it is not easy being a parent of two sons currently serving in the IDF who are now in Gaza.
An Israeli women spoke of a friend being murdered by Hamas on a kibbutz during the program carried out by Hamas terrorists.When she became too emotional to carry on speaking, Avrom Charach, President of Congregation Etz Chayim read her remarks. Charach said in regard to the slogan “From the River to the Sea” that has been heard at pro-Palestinian rallies across the country, including in Winnipeg, that the State of Israel is not going anywhere, as it is here to stay. The chant “From the River to the Sea” is largely understood by members of the Jewish community as being a call for the destruction of Israel.
Jeff Lieberman, CEO of the Jewish Federation read a moving poem at the vigil. Many people lit candles.
In remarks at the event, Jewish Federation President Gustavo Zentner said:
‘Israel is not just the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people; it is a symbol of resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of a people who have faced adversity time and again.”
He added, “I want to be unequivocal... we raise our voices in a resounding call for the end of suffering endured by all those affected by Hamas' terrorist attacks. No one should have to live under the heel of an oppressive regime that places so little value on human life, hiding behind civilians.
“We come together in prayer, with a common purpose — to pray for the release of these individuals who are at the mercy of an organization that stands against the values we hold dear. We gather not only as a community but as a beacon of solidarity and support for a nation that has endured immense challenges.”
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