Since Israel’s Defense Forces launched an operation to protect Israelis from Hamas rocket attacks six days ago, we have witnessed an outpouring of support for Israel, and for innocent Israelis and Palestinians who are sadly in harm’s way.

The last six days have not only brought us horrifying stories of life in bomb shelters and Tzeva Adom (“red alerts” – incoming rocket warnings), but also moving stories of faith when all seems lost, and hope for a brighter and peaceful future, even as rockets rain down across southern and central Israel. Every Israeli is in some way touched by the current situation – whether it’s a family member living in a bomb shelter in Sderot or Be’er Sheva, or those in the north who recall the barrage of rocket attacks during the 2006 Lebanon War. They have shown us time and again – not just over the last six days, not just over the last twelve years, but throughout Israel’s modern incarnation – that life carries on, despite the challenges.

Tonight, I am joining the Boston community in showing Israelis that we stand in solidarity with Israel.

The Rally to Support Israel: Freedom from Fear, sponsored by CJP, the JCRC and other Boston organizations, gives us an opportunity to vocally and visibly stand up for Israel and show that we are here for Israelis during these trying times. Tonight is also an opportunity for Israel’s closest friends to come together – Governor Deval Patrick, a staunch supporter of Israel and the U.S.-Israel friendship, will be in attendance.

At the rally we will learn more about the current situation in order to separate fact from fiction. We will educate ourselves and reconnect with the Israel we know and love. Most important, the rally will inspire us to stand with Israel and motivate us to share why we care about Israel with our friends, peers and coworkers.

I’m going to the rally so that I can add my voice to Boston’s strong support for Israel and then share my experience with my peers in the days and weeks to come.

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