Send Page to a Friend Congressman Markey Stands with Israel   By Sarah Bergeron The Jewish Advocate   Congressman Edward J. Markey showed his unwavering support for Israel when he appeared as the keynote speaker during the Stand with Israel event at Temple Emunah in Lexington. "Israel will prevail" was one of the prevalent messages he repeated to the 800 community members who attended the event which was co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council and a coalition of community agencies including Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Anti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee, and area synagogues. Jim Segel, President of the JCRC and a longtime friend of Congressman Markey introduced him.  During his speech, Markey connected domestic energy policy to Iran, which repeatedly calls for Israel's destruction and offers significant monetary and military support for Hezbollah.  The congressman noted that with the United States' increasing dependence on foreign oil, every tank of gasoline purchased funds repressive regimes.  He spoke about Israel's ability to prevail throughout her turbulent past and that the state will succeed through hope, determination and the steadfast support of the US. The congressman's speech was preceded by an update from Israel's Consul General Meir Shlomo who noted, "If Hezbollah put down their weapons, there would be no more fighting. If Israel puts down her weapons, there would be no more Israel" which drew a standing ovation from the crowd. Congressman Markey's speech reinforced Shlomo's message adding "Israel is an oasis of democracy in a desert of dictatorship."  He made the point that the "only way to gain peace in the Middle East is if Israel is guaranteed acknowledgement of existence and the Hezbollah militia is completely disarmed." A brief question and answer session followed and was lead by CJP President Barry Shrage who had just returned from Israel.  Shrage also gave an impassioned appeal to take action for Israel by remaining informed, voicing support for Israel in the media, speaking to friends, contributing to CJP's Israel in Crisis fund and taking other steps.  Markey ended the event by stating "the nation of Israel lives" and the crowd joined Rabbi David Paskin in song and prayer.