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Wantagh, Seaford pray for Charleston victims

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As congregants gathered for their normal Friday night worship at Temple B’Nai Torah in Wantagh, they did so with heavy hearts.

Rabbi Marci Bellows and members of the temple paid tribute to the nine men and women who were killed in the racially-motivated attack on the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17. Jewish institutions across the country took part in the evening of solidarity, Bellows explained.

“As Jews, it’s our responsibility to make the world a safe place for everyone,” she said. Throughout the June 26 Shabbat of Solidarity, congregants offered prayers for the victims, as well as their families and friends. After the service, they wrote letters of condolence to be sent to the church.

Bellows explained that the message was simple: B’tzelem Elohim, meaning that everyone is created “in God’s image.” She said there is an obligation to uphold that belief, and not discriminate against anyone based on their race, gender, sexual orientation or other differences.

The Rev. Steve Knutsen, pastor Seaford United Methodist Church, said recent Sunday services at his church have offered prayers for the victims. “It was horrible,” he said. “It’s almost beyond belief that someone could be so callous. We grieve with the people who are mourning.”

Knutsen said that as a country, Americans need to strive to be the best people they can be, and have dignity and honor in all that they do. He admits that healing will take time for the members of the Emanuel Church, and that they need to look to God for understanding.

Bellows added that now is the time to call attention to issues of racism in society, and express that extremism and hate will not be tolerated.