Walk supports
terror victims
MANALAPAN — Community was the word to describe the Jewish Community Center’s second annual Solidarity Walk for Israel held on Sept. 14 at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. According to a press release, more than 275 people came from throughout Monmouth County to join a fund-raising walk to help victims of terror in Israel.
U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, state Senate co-President John Bennett, state Sen. Robert Singer, state Assemblyman Sam Thompson and Monmouth County Freeholder Ted Narozanick spoke of their support for Israel during these trying times.
Pallone spoke of his recent visit to Israel and the need for Americans to help.
Bennett announced the disbanding of a conference that had been planned for October at Rutgers University.
The conference was being organized to support the Palestinian independence movement and some people raised the point that the sponsoring group’s support for independence included approval of any means that might be used to achieve it.
Singer related his personal tragedy when his daughter, Sari, became a victim of terror on a bus in Israel. She has recovered and is working to raise money to help those less fortunate.
Thompson and Narozanick also voiced strong support for a strong Israel.
In addition to the elected officials, local clergy joined the group to lead "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Hatikvah," the Israeli national anthem.
Arielle Burnstein, director of the speakers bureau and community relations officer for the Consul General of Israel in New York, was on hand to lend support and show the group Israel’s appreciation of the efforts.
Each participant in the 5K walk wore a button with the photograph of one of the 862 casualties of terror in Israel and walked in their memory, according to the press release. A total of $10,000 was raised for the IsraelNOW Emergency Campaign through sponsors to help the 5,867 injured Israelis and their families.
"Many of Israel’s citizens have permanent injuries and will need assistance for the rest of their lives. Children have been orphaned and left to be raised by older siblings or parents are disabled and cannot work. The Israeli government is overwhelmed with this and their security needs," said Susan Heckler, event coordinator.
Matt Benjamin, JCC Western Monmouth president, said, "I was very pleased by the terrific turnout for the walk. This event was important not only as a fund-raiser but to raise awareness of the terrible suffering victims of terror and their families have had to endure. We hope that the funds raised provide the families with some degree of relief and comfort."
According the Shelley Feingold, outreach director of the JCC of Western Monmouth, "This will be an annual event that the JCC of Western Monmouth County is proud to host. We are already planning next year’s Walk for Israel. The committee is being formed now if anyone would like to be involved. Contributions are still being accepted at the JCC office in Manalapan. Any questions, please call our office at (732) 683-9300."