Local Jewish group speaks out
By MARLY KOSINSKI Tribune ChronicleYOUNGSTOWN - The local and national Jewish communities support a two-state solution to the Mideast crisis and support Israel's right to defend itself against attacks, according to the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.
The federation, in conjunction with its Jewish Community Relations Council, held a Community Gathering for Israel Thursday at the Jewish Community Center. The event was held as part of the national Week of Solidarity in support of Israel as it fights with what it calls the Hamas terrorist group operating out of Gaza.
"A two-state solution would result in the creation of a free, democratic Palestinian state, not compromised by terror, living side by side in peace with Israel," said Alan Merkin, president of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, which represents the Jewish communities in the Mahoning and Shenango valleys. "We believe that if Hamas would focus on the future aspirations of its citizens instead of the destruction of Israel, then a true path to peace will be paved."
Rabbi Benjamin Simon of Children of Israel Temple in Liberty said it is easy to become focused on the politics and forget the personal aspect of the fighting. He told the standing-room only crowd of approximately 100 people to pray for one soldier and establish a personal connection to that soldier rather than try to pray for the hundreds of soldiers who are fighting. Likewise, he told the crowd to pray for one civilian or one family.
"Hamas knows that attacking one or two of us pierces us so they don't have to attack millions of us. Our prayers for one represents the prayers for many," Simon said.
The Israeli ground operation - launched last weekend - is the second phase in an offensive that began as a weeklong aerial onslaught aimed at halting Hamas rocket fire that has reached deeper and deeper into Israel, threatening major cities and one-eighth of Israel's population of 7 million.
Merkin said the staff and leaders of the Jewish federation are in constant contact with leaders in Jerusalem through daily conference calls.
"Since Israel's unilateral and complete disengagement from Gaza in 2005, more than 6,300 rockets were fired from Gaza at the homes, schools and synagogues of Israel's southern communities. These rockets were not fired at army bases, airstrips or even industrial targets. They were indiscriminately launched at population centers with the sole goal of killing as many innocent Israeli civilians as possible," Merkin said in a written statement.
He said the goal of the current Israeli military operation in Gaza is to create conditions that will prevent Hamas from continuing its rocket attacks on southern Israel.
The Rev. Lewis Macklin, pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Youngstown, said he recently visited Israel and he gained the Israeli perspective, which he said was tempered by the views of the Palestinians, who also want peace.
"You cannot broker peace with terrorists because they do not follow the rules. In fact, they make their own rules," Macklin said.
Also speaking at the event were Rabbi Joel Berman of Temple Ohev Tzedek in Boardman, Jewish Community Relations Council president Alan Krezter, Dr. Bernard Schultz of Warren who has children living in Israel, Howard Kessler and Rachel Lipkin, who gave personal testimonials from visits to Israel, and Martin Hume, president of Congregation Rodef Sholom.
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whattheheck
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01-09-09 2:34 PM
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Wow- what did laidoffdrone say now (it looks like his post was removed)?
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Imdamom
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01-09-09 1:07 PM
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Oh Zip.....the prayers offered last night by not only religious leaders, but community perticpants and children of all faiths were for peace- for EVERYONE!!!!!! If you're going to condemn something, at least get your facts correct first.
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Mark33
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01-09-09 12:18 PM
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Posters like Zippy and Drone are better of ignoring. Neither one knows a thing of the stance they take. While Drone is just dumb, Zippy is annoying.
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Handala
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01-09-09 11:43 AM
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Zipcityboy...You into that Jihad stuff?You have no problem with Men,Women.and Children strapping on bomb vests blowing up whoever on public buses,pizza shops,wedding receptions,religious ceremonies,etc.?You have no problem with strikes at Olympic events, murdering Athletes?No outrage over Hijacking Commercial Flights, flying into Financial Centers and Government Buildings?It doesn't bother you Hamas filmed themselves using St Joseph's Tomb for target practice blowing it up?You can live with them holding hostages (Priests & Nuns) in the Church of the Nativity desecrating it in the most vile manner!The victims of the Marine barracks in Beirut and Riyahdh doesn't mean a thing to you?Then go join the Shahid!Hmm?
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Sassysue
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01-09-09 11:10 AM
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Think it's the Arab store down the street from GM lol
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Billdog
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01-09-09 10:46 AM
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Again, to enforce or create violence in the name of GOD is insane. I feel no sorrow for either group. They create their own pain and suffering. Greed, and selfishness make for poor social skills.
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zipcityboy
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01-09-09 10:40 AM
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The prayers at this pro-Israel gathering should all have been ones of repentance asking God to forgive their colossal sins against a defenseless people. And like the prophet Amos (5:21-24) said to a sinful ancient israel, God again says to a sinful modern israel with the blood of many children, women and men on its hands: "I hate, I despise your feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies... Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an everlasting stream" Today blood rolls down like waters in the streets of Gaza; and tears roll down like mighty streams in the homes of Gaza. And this group of so-called religious leaders prays for the mass murderers rather than their victims. How shameful.
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Sassysue
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01-09-09 9:27 AM
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Zippy, are the ones (hiding in schools and neighborhoods) firing rockets into Israel also murderers?
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zipcityboy
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01-09-09 9:24 AM
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In war, truth is the first casualty. Now, after some 800 Palestinians have been murdered and over 4000 have been wounded, truth continues to be a casualty. Journalists are not permitted to enter Gaza to reveal the true extent of the carnage and slaughter of innocents. And light is not permitted to enter the minds of this group supporting the mass murderers. Have they forgotten how to blush?
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Billdog
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01-09-09 9:01 AM
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These two groups have been fighting sinse the beginning of time. I say the US should stay out of this and that to enforce or create violence in the name of GOD is insane. I personally don't support either sides violence and intollerence. Niether should get any support from the UN, US, or any other government.
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Sassysue
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01-09-09 8:35 AM
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LaidOffDrone says "There's a reason nobody wants you"...sure glad I'm not part of the nobody!
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Imdamom
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01-09-09 8:24 AM
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Laidoffdrone- I hope that someday you realize just how evil and cruel your post was. Its obvious that theres an incredible amount of hate in your heart, and I feel sorry for those in your family who must bear the brunt of your ignorance.
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my2cents
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01-09-09 7:51 AM
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LaidOffDrone: I do believe you have already been gased yourself. For anyone to think that way they would have to have been! To go against Israel, is to go against GOD!!! It is about time the Trib printed a counter article about this. They have had a couple about the "Arab-Americans" with family over there in danger.
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Sassysue
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01-09-09 7:00 AM
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LaidOffDrone, how long does it take you to think up the stupid, insane crap you post?
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OldManGrump2
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01-09-09 6:54 AM
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Israel is right on this one. The Hamas terrorists didn't stop rocketing Israel so Israel bombed and then moved into Gaza to stop the rockets once and for all. God is with Israel.
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dennie67
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01-09-09 6:27 AM
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LaidOffDrone: You are a piece of garbage and you should post your real name if your gonna make comments like that. You have NO intestinal fortitude!
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LouReel
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01-09-09 2:42 AM
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You got problems in Warren Ohio and the police need to know who wrote the first post on this subject. and so do the feds.
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