JERSEY SHORE COMMUNITY UNITES IN PRAYER & SONG FOR ISRAEL
ON TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 10TH, THE JERSEY SHORE COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER IN A POWERFUL DISPLAY OF UNITY. OVER 700 ATTENDEES OF ALL AGES GATHERED OUTDOORS AT THE DSN BEACH CLUB FOR AN EVENING OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION. THE SOLEMN EVENT WAS A TESTAMENT TO THE STRENGTH OF COMMUNITY BONDS AND A POIGNANT REMINDER OF THE IMPORTANCE OF STANDING TOGETHER IN TIMES OF NEED.
As guests arrived, they were given beautifully printed booklets containing Tehillim prayers, setting the tone for the evening. DSN’s President Lee Zekaria began the event by welcoming the rabbis and community. “Six months ago our community gathered in DSN to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Today, we are gathering under much different circumstances.”
The evening continued with a powerful rendition of Hatikvah, filling the space with a sense of hope and determination. This was followed by a medley of songs, with former IDF members and rabbis on stage, and a moving performance of Ahenu by Joe Zekaria.
More than 15 esteemed community rabbis from shuls and schools across the community led prayers for the refuah shelamah of those injured in the war, the return of those in captivity, the safety of the soldiers and a blessing for the people and State of Israel. Their collective voices embodied strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The lighting of candles and a moment of silence further underscored the solemnity of the occasion. Prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Shlomo Diamond, Rabbi Shaul Kassin and Rabbi David Tawil, delivered words of inspiration and divrei Torah, offering spiritual guidance to all in attendance. Their wisdom and insight provided a source of comfort and motivation for the community.
DSN Boardmember and Event Chairperson Victoria Sutton was very satisfied. “It was very meaningful and spiritual. We are blessed to have the most incredible rabbis.” Jacqueline Musry, a DSN volunteer was emotional. “I have no words! It was beyond special having all of the rabbis there and seeing everyone together — hundreds upon hundreds of people. It was an unbelievable night, community and team!” Grace Chehebar felt strengthened. “What a night. May Hashem see our unity, hear our prayers, and protect and bless our soldiers and our land.”
Joe Benun, a former IDF soldier, and Ike Massry spoke shedding light on tangible ways the community has and can still come together, from donations to organizing flights out of Israel, all serving as a testament to the power of collective action.
The event was marked by a visual representation of unity with the wavering Israeli flag prominently displayed on a big screen, flanked by two more flags adorning the venue. Additionally, to ensure safety, in recognition of the realities of the current climate, a strong police and security presence was maintained throughout the evening.
Sweatshirts, necklaces, pins and hot chocolate were available for purchase, with all proceeds going towards organizations supporting the IDF and Israel. The overwhelming support through merchandise was obvious as demand for these items resulted in a complete sell-out, further demonstrating the community’s commitment to the cause.
For those unable to attend in person, the event was livestreamed via Instagram, reaching viewers in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Florida, Israel and beyond. This ensured that the message of unity and support transcended physical boundaries, extending its impact to a global audience.
The night stood as a shining example of the strength and resilience of the community. Linda Massry, a DSN volunteer, said, “DSN was the only place anyone felt like being tonight. G-d Bless.”
DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt summarized, “Tonight was very special. Having so many rabbis leading us in prayer and words of strength was desperately needed. The togetherness and feeling of community was palpable. Over the years, I have seen our team put together many meaningful events. This one is right there at the top. Thank you to our DSN volunteers and a passionate staff who tirelessly organized the perfectly-scripted event in less than 48 hours! We will continue to pray and do what we can for Israel. May Hashem accept our community’s prayers so that our brothers and sisters in Israel can see better days soon. Am Israel Chai!”
