By Brenda Flanagan
Correspondent
A standing-room-only crowd packed the Israel Solidarity Rally in Whippany and an emotional audience welcomed Sen. Bob Menendez with a standing ovation. Menendez repeated the USA’s pledge to support Israel even as it intensifies artillery and ground attacks against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“It is in the national interest and security of the U.S. to have a strong unwavering relationship with the state of Israel — the one, true democracy in a sea of autocracy, a major trading partner of the U.S., a major security ally of the U.S. and the one country most likely to be voting with the U.S. in common cause” said Menendez.
Menendez described his ongoing support for Iron Dome — a missile intercept defense system that tracks and destroys incoming rockets fired from Gaza. Jewish Federation President Leslie Rosenthal described her recent visit to Israel — hearing the air raid sirens, running for shelter in a stairwell.
“It’ll get your attention! And as I was sitting there by myself, I heard the boom, boom of the Iron Dome intercepting a missile,” Rosenthal said. “And the PA system from the hotel comes on and says, ‘Dear guests, you are now free to return to your normal routine.’ I don’t think I ever will, again.”
Several speakers addressed critics, who charge Israel with killing hundreds of civilians. Secretary of State John Kerry’s off-mic comment characterized Israel’s attempt to focus artillery fire away from innocent bystanders.
“It’s a hell of a pinpoint operation,” Kerry said.
“We are operating in the most surgical fashion possible and it takes time,” said Israeli Consul General Ido Aharoni.
The Israeli Consul General from New York City also spoke, explaining the Israeli army warns neighborhoods before shelling starts.
“We take the time, the energy, the resources to make sure citizens in Gaza are warned in advance. Our early warning system is unprecedented,” Aharoni said.
Groups of New Jersey students still plan to leave soon for a three-week visit to volunteer at Israeli respite centers for children like one funded by the Jewish Federation, notwithstanding the danger.
“My dad served in the Israeli Defense Force in 1978, so he’s had experience with this kind of stuff and if he feels I’m going to be safe with this group, I feel I’m gonna be safe,” Randolph resident Ross Levin said.
Jewish Federation leaders ended by asking for contributions with a pledge card. They’ve already raised $600,000. They say doing nothing is not an option.