See what South Shore synagogues had to say about the Israel conflict

There were no words to describe the feeling that resonated throughout the Merrick Jewish Centre on Monday evening. Hundreds gathered from South Shore synagogues in sadness, frustration and anger, over the events that transpired in Israel over the weekend.

On Saturday, the Hamas, a Palestinian militant group that occupies the Gaza strip, and is considered terrorists by United States and European Union, carried out the beginnings of a brutal attack against Israel, killing nearly 1,000 Israelis, and taking hundreds captive.

Israel launched a counterattack, and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, warned of “a long and difficult war” on Sunday. Palestinian authorities estimate that at least 560 people were killed in the retaliatory attacks.

In Nassau County, which has a Jewish population of over 230,000 people — making up 17 percent of the county’s population, residents watched in horror, frightened for their friends and family in Israel. President Joe Biden on Monday said at least 11 Americans were killed, and it is likely that many more are among the hostages in Gaza.

“We all wish that we were here tonight under better circumstances,” Rabbi Joshua Dorsch of the Merrick Jewish Centre said. “The Psalmist teaches us that God is close to the brokenhearted, and those who are crushed in spirits. And given everything that has transpired in the past few days, all of us are brokenhearted. We are crushed in spirit.”

Dorsch was joined by rabbinic colleagues and cantors from Congregation Beth Ohr of Bellmore; Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh; Congregation Ohav Shalom in Merrick; the East Meadow-Beth El Jewish Center; the Oceanside Jewish Center; Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore; and Temple Emanu-El in Long Beach. Father Nikiforos Fakinos of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Merrick was also present, as were dozens of elected officials, who stood in solidarity with the Jewish people.

“We don’t know what the future holds,” Dorsch said. “We are frightened for what is still to come. Many of us have friends and family in Israel. Some are safe for the time being, while others are not. We’ve all be affected directly, indirectly. Our hearts are hurting by what has transpired.”

Dorsch said he’d received confirmation just before the start of the vigil that one of the hostages is a recent graduated of the Schechter School of Long Island, where his children attend school — as do many others from South Shore communities.

“Tonight, we will be led together in song and prayer by clergy across denominations and faiths,” Dorsch said, “as we stand in solidarity with Israel.”

Cantor Benjamin Warschawski of the Merrick Jewish Centre and Cantor Joshua Diamond of Congregation Beth Ohr, beautifully sang “A Prayer for the State of Israel,” among several others throughout the evening, moving attendees to tears.

Rabbi Mickey Baum of Temple Beth Am said he was “boiling with anger” over the events that transpired in Israel.

“This is not the first time Israel and the Jewish people have faced such challenges which they will overcome,” Baum said. “But God willing, this will be the last time.”