Jewish Federation Gathers Crowd of 500 in Solidarity with Israel

Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh held a gathering in solidarity with Israel which drew a crowd of 500 people on Monday night at the David R. Kahn Community Campus in North Raleigh.

The gathering was opened by Jewish Federation CEO Phil Brodsky, and included remarks in support of Israel from elected officials including Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, US Representatives Wiley Nickel and Deborah Ross, and a letter of support from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

“The last time I was at this pavilion, I was proud to open your Inter-Community Seder, a community-building event intended to build stronger relationships and a stronger, better Raleigh,” said Mayor Baldwin. “Today, I am here to stand with the Jewish community in solidarity with Israel.”

“There’s no way to articulate the horror we feel when we think about these civilians being targeted and terrorized,” said Attorney General Stein.

Avia Feder, a 31-year-old reservist from the Israel Defense Forces, received a standing ovation from the crowd for his emotional account of serving near the Gaza border in 2014.

“During the operation, some of us lost friends, some of us lost family, I personally know some people who will forever be a memory,” Feder said.

Other speakers included rabbis from Beth Meyer Synagogue, Temple Beth Or, Chabad of Cary, Chabad Young Professionals, Chabad of Raleigh, as well as clergy from Christian churches.

At the close of the gathering, Brodsky gave a call for action in which he encouraged everyone to take actions to show support for Israel such as advocating, supporting, volunteering, giving, speaking up, and continuing to gather.

Jewish Federations of North America has opened a fund to support Israel and Israelis on the ground. Please donate here: https://jfeds.org/israelfund2023