On Oct. 18, the Baltimore Zionist District and other pro-Israel organizations and congregations will hold a Stand Up for Israel rally at 7:30 at Beth El Congregation, 8101 Park Heights Avenue in Pikesville. (Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for security checks.)
Among the scheduled speakers are Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka (D-2nd District), BZD Executive Director Caren Leven, and members of the local Israeli community who have reached out to offer support and speak on behalf of their families and loved ones.
Songs of hope will be featured during the program. Attendees are encouraged to dress in blue-and-white attire and bring Israeli flags to show support, as well as pray for Israel Defense Forces soldiers and the safe return of hostages.
Besides the BZD and Beth El, this event is sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation, Israel Bonds of Maryland, Beth Israel Congregation, the Baltimore Jewish Council and the Baltimore Israel Coalition. (For information, email office@bzdisrael.org or call 410-484-4510.)
In addition, the Maryland chapter of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces will hold an evening of solidarity on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Martin’s West, 6817 Dogwood Road. Cocktails will be served at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30. (Dietary laws will be observed, and enhanced security will be provided at this event.)
“While the heinous and unprovoked terror committed by Hamas onto Israel will forever be engrained in our hearts and minds, one thing is certain. We have never been more united as a community and prouder to identify as Jewish,” the FIDF chapter wrote in a statement. “Please join us for an evening together as we honor and support our soldiers and their families.
“The IDF soldiers are risking their lives to preserve our right to exist as a people and nation. They need us now more than ever.”
Co-chairs of the gala are Stacey and Steven Verstandig and Michelle and Steve Wions. (For information, visit fidf.org/events/fidfmdgaladinner23/.)
On Tuesday night, Oct. 10, more than 2,000 people attended a community-wide solidarity gathering at Pikesville’s Beth Tfiloh Congregation. Among the speakers were Noach Hacker, minister of economic affairs at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., Rabbi Rachel Sabath Beit-Halachmi of Har Sinai-Oheb Shalom Congregation and Beth Tfiloh’s Rabbi Chai Posner.
The gathering was presented by the Baltimore Board of Rabbis, The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, the Baltimore Jewish Council and the local synagogue community. (For information about The Associated’s emergency fund for Israel, visit payments.associated.org/IsraelAttacked.)
On Wednesday night, Oct. 11, more than 1,000 people (in-person and virtually) attended the Israel Solidarity Gathering coordinated by the Jewish Federation of Howard County. The event at Temple Isaiah in Fulton featured representation from Bet Chaverim, Chabad of Ellicott City, Bet Chaverim, Chabad Lubavitch Center of Howard County, Beth Shalom, Kol Nefesh and Columbia Jewish Congregation.
Among the speakers were Joel Frankel, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Howard County, and Nadav Zysblat, deputy consul general in the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The gathering on June 4 will be part of activities and programming around the world marking "Holocaust Survivor Day."
'It's Classic!" featured rock climbing, food, live entertainment and more.
The Jerusalem Orchestra East & West, which arranged the program for young musicians, blends Western orchestral music with Middle Eastern traditions.
A Norfolk native, Frankle worked at Sinai Hospital, Camp Airy and privately for five decades.