PEABODY — They stand by Israel.
Through song, prayer and sharp words, hundreds showed their solidarity with Israel last night during a two-hour rally at Temple Ner Tamid.
"I am proud to unequivocally support the state of Israel, and I will do everything I can to support her in her state of crisis," said Liz Donnenfeld, executive director of the Jewish Federation of the North Shore.
Donnenfeld, who led off the 15 speakers last night, told the standing-room-only crowd she was heartened by last night's outpouring for their homeland.
Less than three weeks after Israel launched its military campaign, Operation Cast Lead, supporters on the North Shore waved blue-and-white Israeli flags, held signs and listened intently as one speaker after another rang a message of support for the Middle East country.
Donnenfeld offered 10 ways to help Israel, including signing a petition of support, staying informed and traveling to Israel.
"All of us are emissaries for Israel," she said.
Jewish leaders from the area, including Nadav Tamir, Israel's consul general to New England, thanked the people gathered for their support of Israel.
"We're here because we stand together," said Rabbi Samuel Barth of Temple Ahavat Achim in Gloucester.
Marvin Wilson, a professor at Gordon College, spoke about Christians' support of Jews and Israel.
"Christians and Jews must be solidly together for the security, defense and shalom of Israel," he said. "We have come here tonight to tell the world enough is enough."
Rabbi Yossi Lipsker of Chabad Lubavitch of the North Shore shared a story about a 27-year-old Israeli soldier killed in friendly fire. Lipsker read a letter from the soldier's family supporting his comrades' military efforts.
"What can we say, sitting here on the North Shore, of the sacrifice?" the rabbi said. "There are no words at a time like this, only actions."
Lipsker will be leaving for Israel next week and plans to bring toys for Israeli children and goods for recovering Israeli soldiers.
Tamir thanked the group for attending the rally last night.
"You have no idea what it means to us," the consul general said.
Tamir defended Israel's military campaign, saying Hamas brought on the attacks by breaking the cease fire.
"We did everything possible to avoid it," he said. "We couldn't avoid it any longer because the first responsibility of any government is to protect its citizens."
The consul general stressed that his country was trying to achieve a "durable and sustainable cease fire." He said Israel was not fighting the Palestinian people, but Hamas.
"We are fighting this awful regime that took them hostage," Tamir said.
He wants Israel to be a success story, a hub of innovation rather than one of doom and gloom.
State Rep. Joyce Spiliotis, D-Peabody, described Israel as a "good and loyal" friend to the United States. She pledged her support of the country in its time of need.
After the rally, Marcia Kalman of Salem said she came to show her solidarity.
"It's really tearing me apart," said Kalman, whose mother was born in Israel. "In the press, I feel Israel is being blamed for all of this. We didn't break the cease fire."
Leonard Aronson, 16, said the rally helped the community show their support.
"It was good," he said. "It brought people together."
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