Tarrytown's Jewish community offers prayers for Israel in wake of Hamas' surprise attack
Members of the congregation at Temple Beth Abraham were noticeably solemn as they arrived for the prayer service.
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Tarrytown's Jewish community gathered Sunday to offer prayers in the aftermath of the surprise terrorist attack on Israel.
Members of the congregation at Temple Beth Abraham were noticeably solemn as they arrived for the prayer service.
Roberta Rothkin, of Ossining, fought back tears at the thought of the attacks that have plunged the country into war.
"These are real people that this is affecting... This is affecting real people and it's scary," she said.
Some congregants told News 12 they just knew that they had to be present and stand in solidarity.
"For me, it's not about the prayers. It's about standing and supporting Israel. Israel has the right to exist, and they've been attacked. We're not under attack here at the moment, thank God, but they are and it's hard for them," said Ossining resident Steve Rothkin.
Organizers of the prayer vigil declined to allow the service to be recorded, citing safety and privacy reasons.
Rabbi David Holtz, however, told News 12 this was just the start of Temple Beth Abraham's efforts to help and to unite in these most difficult times.
"The state of Israel is at war, but it is not a war that Israel sought, and we are shocked and sad and angry," Holtz said. "I think it's important to note that we're not only praying for the Jews. There are lots of others who live in Israel and who have been affected by what Hamas has done. There are Muslims, and there are Christians who are all citizens of the state of Israel and who have suffered during this attack."
