As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israeli Defense Forces soldiers stationed at the Gaza border ahead of an expected ground offensive against Hamas, many from the University of Miami community gathered more than 6,000 miles away for a “Rally for Israel.”
The U's version of a Speaker's Corner, the University Center Rock Plaza, saw six campus organizations draw more than 160 students, administrators, faculty and staff members, alumni, and community and religious leaders, some wrapped in the flag of Israel.
"From our rally tonight, I hope to convey that the Jewish people will respond to rising hatred against our people by simply loving each other more," said Zack Gersowsky, president of the Jewish Comparative Law Society (JCLS), and third-year law student.
Sponsored by Chabad UM, Cardozo Jewish Legal Society, JCLS, Chabad Undergrad, Grads Chabad, and the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, leaders spoke of their love of Israel during dark times.
"As I stand here, my heart hurts for you and the world," said Christopher Clarke, assistant dean for Belonging and Inclusion at the School of Law. "I encourage you to find ways to be a light in a world filled with darkness ... not just for those who are here, but for those who are not here. The beauty of a diverse college campus like UM creates unique opportunities to let your light shine in ways that you least suspect it. Please use this moment in time to mourn, honor, advocate, pray and work toward creating inclusive environments where all are welcomed and belong. I believe that we have the power and courage to do so."
Chabad UM Rabbi Mendy Fellig, wearing a ZBT jersey with his name and number 770, addressed the assembled and prayed with the attendees. 770 stands for 770 Eastern Parkway, the street address of the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters, located in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn, New York.
A guitarist playing and singing Jewish contemporary songs was joined by many in the crowd, arms entwined and swaying to the music between messages of hope and strength delivered by a range of speakers from the community.
Placards were abundant with a QR code linking to a page listing Israel support groups, offered prayers for the people of Israel, and listed GoFundMe pages raising money for Israeli soldiers, paratroopers, and families impacted by the war.
“This event showcased the power, drive, and dedication our people have to ensure the safety and perseverance of our homeland,” said Brianna Halpern, a junior at the Miami Herbert Business School and president of Undergrad Chabad at UM. “Israel will always survive and flourish because of the light within each and every Jew. This light was expressed by each student who came to support by singing, praying, and connecting to the community. The University of Miami continues to lead the college campuses in the U.S. with non-stop devotion to the Jewish people and the land of Israel, and we will never forget that.”
As the event drew to a close, the music and dancing became lively as the sun set over the Coral Gables Campus.
