Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Recent escalation of violence in Israel has Jews around the world following news developments meticulously and searching for ways to provide support and assistance to their brethren in the Holy Land. The Jewish community of Orlando, home to many Israelis and friends of Israel will unite in a solidarity event on Saturday night, Oct. 24 at 7:45 p.m. at Chabad of South Orlando, 7347 W Sand Lake Road. The event will feature a concert of classic and contemporary Israeli music and a buffet of Israeli food in addition to prayers and speeches expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself against the rise in Palestinian terrorist attacks.

“When the headlines are about Israel, we all perk up,” said Rabbi Yosef Konikov, director of Chabad in South Orlando and host of the event.

“With the increase of violence in recent weeks, we felt the need to do something to show our support.”

The event will begin with a Musical Havdalah service and prayers marking the end of the Sabbath and a traditional blessing of the moon. “We will be praying for peace in our land and peace for Jewish people around the world,” said Konikov, hinting to the subtle rise in anti-Semitism in many European countries.

This event will come as a culmination to a weekend-long program for Jewish community members marking Chabad’s 17th anniversary in the South Orlando location. Chabad is a provider of a myriad of services and programs for the Jewish community and aims to give every Jew in Orlando a home away from home.

For more information about the event or to reserve tickets, visit http://www.JewishOrlando.com or call (407) 354-3660. You may also follow their Facebook page at Facebook.com/OrlandoJewish.