Capital District Interfaith Leaders React to Israel-Hamas Conflict
Marking a Year of Conflict
October 7th marks one year since the current Israel-Hamas conflict began, and as Rosh Hashanah begins Wednesday evening, interfaith leaders across the Capital District are speaking out.
Congregation Gates of Heaven’s Response
Inside the stained glass windowed sanctuary of Congregation Gates of Heaven in Schenectady, Rabbi Matt Cutler prepares for the high holy days. "I need this holiday. I need the ability to look at life to confess to confess, to realize where we have fallen short, where others have fallen short, and where we need to work to build together" said Cutler.
Security Concerns
Regarding security amid the Mid-East conflicts, and the recent college campus protests targeting Israel’s attack on Gaza, Cutler says things are secure physically. "We have a great relationship with our police department. We have outside security consultants," said Cutler. But not mentally. "The big fear I have with security is up here. My concern is that terrorism is going to win and people are going to stay away…That they feel easier to watch the service on live stream or Zoom than to be a Jew in the pews," Cutler added.
Impact of Conflict
The current conflict started last October 7 when Hamas attacked a Jewish festival killing over 1100 people, and taking about 250 hostage. Israel’s retaliatory strikes subsequently killed over 40,000 Palestinians. Culter says this tears at his soul. "As much as I’m a supporter of Israel and I love Israel, I also have to feel this angst and pain for the suffering that’s happening in Gaza. It’s a real problem" said Cutler.
United Muslim Alliance of Albany
Doctor Sohaib Chekima, Executive Director of the United Muslim Alliance of Albany, shares similar sentiments. "All lives are sacred and no one should be killed just for the sake of political gain," said Chekima. "The lives that are being lost are irrelevant to time. When people lose their families they’re not concerned about whether it’s a holiday" Chekima added.
Advocating for Peace
Chekima says his organization advocates for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. "The ceasefire needs to happen yesterday," he emphasized.
Rosh Hashanah and Its Significance
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown Wednesday and lasts for two days. As Cutler pointed out, "I need this holiday. I need the ability to look at life to confess to confess, to realize where we have fallen short, where others have fallen short, and where we need to work to build together."
Conclusion
As Rosh Hashanah commences, interfaith leaders in the Capital District call for an end to the violence and suffering in the Middle East. They advocate for peace, understanding, and human life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Rosh Hashanah?
A: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, which begins at sundown on Wednesday and lasts for two days.
Q: What is the significance of Rosh Hashanah?
A: Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection, forgiveness, and new beginnings. It is a period when Jews traditionally go to synagogue to pray, blow the shofar (ram’s horn), and eat traditional foods such as apples and honey.
Q: What are the plans for security at Congregation Gates of Heaven?
A: The congregation has a great relationship with the local police department and has hired outside security consultants to ensure the safety of attendees.
