Vigil Monday in New Castle: 'More Love, Less Hate'

An Interfaith Prayer Vigil will be held Monday evening at 6:45 p.m. in the gazebo across from Robert Bell Middle School in Chappaqua.

"We will hold a prayer vigil in support of the fallen and their friends and relatives," said New Castle Town Supervisor Rob Greenstein in his announcement. "Tonight we will come together tonight to mourn what happened in Orlando and at the same time to deliver our message of unity, patriotism and faith.  That message, voiced throughout our nation, is More Love. Less Hate.  That message, voiced throughout our nation, is about community. That message, that comes through our words, our prayers and our songs, is that we will never forget those victims of this weekend’s tragedy and all of the senseless acts of violence that have scarred our nation. That message, of More Love. Less Hate. stands for a better tomorrow. We will not be destroyed by hatred and violence. Our love serves as both our shield to protect us and our sword to fight hatred and violence and intolerance.  As a community, we say together: More Love. Less Hate."

Rev. Dr. Martha R. Jacobs of the First Congregational Church stated "I truly believe that God is with us not only in times of tragedy, but God is also with us through the love that we show when we support and comfort one another. May those who grieve feel God's loving arms surrounding them and holding them and may they feel our prayers and love as well."

Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe of Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester stated "Jewish tradition mandates that the mourner never be left to grieve on his or her own.  A minyan is required to ensure that life's sorrows may be shared so that the mourner may gain comfort and support in a time of need.  In a similar way, we come together this evening to provide solace, friendship, comfort and love for our grieving community and for our larger American society, shocked by the pain and violence wrought yesterday morning.  We stand in solidarity with our friends and neighbors of all or no religious backgrounds to declare that love is stronger than hate and that those who mourn need not do so alone or in the shadows.  Within the bonds of community, we confront the sources of prejudice and intolerance within our society and demonstrate our solidarity with the victims and their family and friends.  Together, we mourn."

Dawn Greenberg who helped organize the event, stated “While I feel the time for action is painfully, tragically overdue, my hope is that our vigil will provide a bit of healing for all of us, particularly anyone suffering the pain of loss or bigotry, if any and all forms. Love has to win. It must and it will if we all band together to support those who need it and to strengthen our bonds as neighbors and citizens."

Greenstein  thanked Beth Hungden from Whispering Pines of Chappaqua for donating 75 roses for tonight's vigil.