Sorrow, Anger And Resolve As 3 Communities Come Together For Israel

MAMARONECK, NY — If those who sow hate and violence hope to divide us, a gathering of Sound Shore communities at a bandstand in a seaside park on the Long Island Sound proved that what unites us is stronger than ever.

Elected leaders and spiritual leaders offered comfort in the wake of historic terror attacks against civilians in Israel. The crowd of hundreds that gathered at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck consoled each other over unspeakable atrocities and losses that aren't yet fully realized.

As Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy brought folding chairs to those who would be unable to stand through the entire tri-municipal ceremony, it became clear that a community was in need of consolation, though perhaps it is still too soon for healing.

Before a single speaker stepped up to the podium, hugs were shared among friends and with strangers. Tears were met with tears and the bigger the crowd grew, the more intimate the gathering felt.

Deb Azarzar said she came to show her support for Israel, but also needed to do something to feel less hopeless and helpless.

"I didn't know what to do with this grief," she said. "I needed to see this for myself. I think we all needed this and I don't think any of us knew how much we needed this."

The somber pall concealed an anger that was put into words as spiritual leaders and elected officials sounded the alarm that harder days were still ahead. Those same voices vowed that the resolve to conquer hate and an enemy that has shown no regard for human life can not and will not waver.

For many of those gathered, the horrors of the terrorist attacks played out on their televisions; for others, on the phone with loved ones who remain very much in peril.

While the war raging in the Middle East seems a world away from this bucolic corner of Westchester County, speaker after speaker acknowledged that our neighbors have every reason to feel apprehensive. Antisemitic violence and rhetoric is on the rise both here and across the country — some of which can trace their origins back to local hate groups, and Jewish institutions in our own communities have been targeted with threats of violence.

Local and state leaders promised that the Jewish community, here and abroad, does not stand alone.

The vigil was conceived for this very reason by Larchmont Mayor Sarah Bauer, Town of Mamaroneck Supervisor Jaine Elkind Eney and Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Tom Murphy.

The local political leaders were joined by spiritual leaders, County Executive George Latimer, NYS Senator Shelley Mayer and Assemblyman Steve Otis.

We arrived with family or alone, with friends or among strangers on a cloudless evening, but by the time the sun set, painting the harbor, we were one community, joined in tears, rage and determination.