Interfaith vigil calls for peace in Middle East

SALISBURY — Speakers at a vigil held at the Salisbury Congregational Church Tuesday, Nov. 14 were unequivocal in their support for Israel in its war with Hamas.

The speakers also decried what one described as “an incredible outbreak of anti-Semitism” in the U.S. following the outbreak of war when the Palestinian Hamas organization attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

Betsy Beck, the church moderator, opened with a disclaimer.

She said the church has traditionally been used for public gatherings and meetings and the church neither endorses nor opposes any point of view expressed at such times. Pastor John Nelson said the same in a letter to The Lakeville Journal published Thursday, Nov. 16.

Tom Morrison of Salisbury, one of the organizers, said security was a concern at the event. He asked people not to take photos, thanked resident Trooper Will Veras for being on hand, and noted the organizers had also arranged for private security. The event was deliberately not publicized out of security concerns.

Jay Abramson, who is the pastor emeritus of the Valley Community Baptist Church in Avon, said he was disturbed by anti-Semitic demonstrations in the U.S. in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks.

He said that Judaism is at the root of the Christian faith: “Without Judaism there is no Christianity.”

He asked the audience to pray for both Israeli and Gazan citizens.

State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) emailed the organizers to explain she had a prior commitment. She included a statement, which was read aloud:

“I am heartbroken by the accounts of what Israeli civilians experienced at the hands of brutal and violent terrorists, and I fear for the safety of the hostages. I hope your event brings some solace to those most affected.“

State Sen. Steve Harding (R-30) said “We need to make it clear in our communities, person by person, that we stand with Israel and against anti-Semitism.

“Anti-semitism in every form should be taken away from this Earth.”

John Haddon, rabbi at the Congregation Beth David synagogue in Amenia, spoke at length and led prayers.

He said, “Israel never gets a break or the benefit of the doubt in the media, except for Fox News.”

He continued, “With apologies to John Lennon, we need to give war a chance.”

He said saying that “hurts me more than I can express.”

A ceasefire and other measures urged by some groups and politicians will not work, he argued.

“This approach at this time will only lead to more war, more deaths.”

Haddon said nobody is asking Hamas for a ceasefire, just Israel, and he asked what other army agrees to four-hour pauses in operations, warns civilians of impending actions, and delivers supplies to hospitals.

“Israel retaliated. That’s what a civilized nation does.”

George Logan, a Republican who lost a close race against incumbent U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-5) last year and is running again, recalled that his immigrant mother worked for a Jewish family and developed lifelong friendships.

Logan said it is “important to support our Jewish friends. Show them there are more of us than the terrorists.

“Imagine someone just barging in here and killing any one of us.”

Logan said he thinks many Americans don’t understand Israel or anti-Semitism: “What we see now is there are folks who hear things from others, don’t realize what anti-Semitism is, don’t understand why Israel is reacting the way they are.”

Mike Abrams read a statement from Hayes: “For over a month, we have watched the devastation unfold in Israel and Gaza. The rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia across the globe is truly heartbreaking. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launched a violent terrorist attack on Israel, slaughtering 1,200 civilians and taking at least 240 hostages.  In Gaza, the mounting humanitarian crisis is appalling and cannot be ignored. I condemn all forms of hatred and any assault on innocent civilians. Additionally, I call for a safe return of all hostages in Gaza. It is imperative we come together and pray for peace during these troubling times.” 

Abrams added: “Let’s not kid ourselves. Israel is in a fight for survival.”

Alan Friedman cited signs carried by pro-Hamas demonstrators: “death to Israel, Gas the Jews,” and openly displayed swastikas.

“Here tonight we have Salisbury’s answer,” he said. “Your presence here tonight means more than you can imagine.”

Gary Jones of the Connecticut branch of the Anti-Defamation League said the issues are not complicated, describing Hamas as a “genocidal terrorist organization” with considerable funding and promotional skills. Jones said nobody should be surprised at the actions of Hamas, and to take a look at the organization’s charter.

“Its reason for existence is to eliminate Israel and murder Jews.” He added, “What happened Oct. 7 was unconscionable and Israel has the right to respond.”

An Israeli man who has lived in Great Barrington for 20 years with his family said he was awakened as the Oct. 7 attacks were underway by a family member in a kibbutz near the Israel/Gaza border.

Some of the residents, including several family members, managed to get to a safe room but the Hamas attackers shot into the room and tried burning them out.

Three family members were killed, including a 9-month old baby.

“This is only one story out of many. We were very broken but we’re standing tall.”

The man asked that his name not be printed because he has been receiving threats.

Haddon returned to the microphone at the end of the vigil and thanked the crowd of about 75 for turning out.

He finished with this:

“To be silent when we should speak is to be an accessory.