Send Page to a Friend Jewish Community Comes Together in Support of Israel (July 18, 2006) In response to the escalating violence in the Middle East, thousands of members of the Jewish community gathered for a rally at the Congregation Kehillath Israel in Brookline, Mass., on Tuesday, July 18 to show support for Israel. The rally, organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council and Combined Jewish Philanthropies and sponsored by nearly 20 Jewish organizations in the greater Boston area, included a moment of silence to pray for the captive Israeli soldiers and all those who have been killed or injured during the fighting. "It is important for the greater Boston community to support Israel and its right to defend herself. We are grateful to those who came out to express their concern, especially for the safety of the citizens of Boston's sister city, Haifa." said Jim Segel, President of the Jewish Community Relations Council. In addition to showing support for Israel, those in attendance prayed for peace and showed concern over the well being of Israelis, Palestinians and Lebanese all over the world. Robert L. Beal, Chair of Combined Jewish Philanthropies, noted, "We are proud of Israel for doing all they can to instill peace and fulfill their primary responsibility of protecting her citizens against these unprovoked attacks." Speakers at the rally also included Meir Shlomo, Counsel General of Israel, Reverend Hurmon Hamilton, Roxbury Presbyterian Church and the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization and Peter Meade, Board member of the Anti-Defamation League, participant in a past JCRC mission to Israel and political commentator. Following the moment of silence, Rabbi Gershon Gewirtz and Rabbi Bill Hamilton led the group in the recitation of Psalms.