NEW YORK — There was an outpouring of support for the people of Israel on the Upper East Side on Friday.
Mayor Eric Adams made remarks at one of the many synagogues where services took place.
Temple Emanu-El made a rare exception by allowing media access to its Friday night service. The senior rabbi expressed to CBS New York that adopting such a unique approach is crucial in rallying support for the people of Israel within the community.
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At the service against hate, Adams addressed the audience, drawing an analogy between rivers and seas. He urged New Yorkers to unite as a civilian army and take action to block the flow of hatred by building metaphorical dams. This call to action was in response to the hate speech Adams had witnessed over the course of the week.
His goal is for New York to set the benchmark on how other communities worldwide address hate.
Adams stated that we ought to serve as a guiding light for the entire world. The events unfolding in New York should ripple throughout the rest of the country and the world. He emphasized that this challenging and distressing time must be transformed into a moment of purpose.
Rabbi Joshua Davidson emphasized the significance of unity during times of trauma, as we draw strength from our collective presence. He further highlighted that as members of the Jewish people, Israel holds a special place as our home.
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CBS New York interviewed several attendees who expressed feelings of unease about their safety upon arrival. The synagogue had implemented strict security measures, including a significant police presence surrounding the entrances.
Watch CBS2 News at 11 p.m. for more on other services taking place at synagogues across the area.
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