On a somber day for Jews around the world, and humanity, the Queens Jewish community came together to honor and mourn the six hostages brutally murdered by Hamas captors over the past weekend in Gaza.
The vigil, organized by UJA, QJCC, and JCRC, took place at Beth Gavriel Congregation in Forest Hills and was marked by heartfelt speeches, prayer, and the lighting of memorial candles.
The event was emceed by Barry Grodenchik, President of the Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC), who expressed the collective grief and solidarity of the community.
The speakers included Congress Member Grace Meng, Assembly Member Nily Rozic, Council Member Lynn Schulman, Deputy Chief Richie Taylor, Rabbi Mayer Waxman, Rabbi Tomer Zino of Beth Gavriel, Rabbi Daniel Graber of Forest Hills Jewish Center, Assembly Member David Weprin, and Council Member Selvina Brooks-Powers. Each shared words of comfort, resilience, and a strong condemnation of the atrocities committed by Hamas.
“I had the privilege of meeting Hersh’s parents multiple times,” said Congress Member Grace Meg, her voice quivering. “And I’ll tell you, not until the day of the [Democratic National] convention, when she had a global stage, did I ever see Hersh’s mom cry [despite her son being missing for almost a year]. She was overwhelmed by the reception she got that night. She was [always] so strong and resolute, fighting for everyone, never shedding a tear.”
Meng continued, with tears of her own running down her cheeks: “I just want to say that my heart aches for their loved ones. I ask you, all of our Queens families, Jewish and non-Jewish, all New Yorkers and all Americans, to join us in keeping their families and friends in your heart and prayers at this extremely difficult time for them.”
Rabbi Michael Miller, Executive Vice President Emeritus of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRCNY), led the gathering in a moving rendition of «Kel Maleh Rachamim,» a Jewish prayer for the souls of the departed. As the community joined in singing «Hatikvah,» Israel’s national anthem, the room resonated with a profound sense of unity and hope amidst the sorrow.
Six memorial candles were lit, each representing one of the innocent lives lost: American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, who was among the 40 people taken hostage during the Nova festival, Alexander Lobanov, 32, Carmel Gat, 40, Almog Sarusi, 27, Eden Yerushalmi,24, and Ori Danino, 25. According to the IDF, the six were “brutally murdered” by Hamas shortly before troops arrived. Their names were spoken aloud, and the candles flickered as a symbol of the enduring memory of their lives.
The vigil was a powerful reminder of the strength of the Jewish community in the face of unimaginable pain and loss. It was a moment to grieve, to remember, and to reaffirm the commitment to stand against terror and violence.
Barry Grodenchik summed up the sentiment of the day in a tweet: «I was honored to emcee a memorial service today at Beth Gavriel for the 6 murdered Israeli hostages, may their memories be a blessing. Many thanks to @Lynn4NYC, @Grace4NY, @nily for organizing this service. Special thanks to @NYPDnews for keeping us safe and to all in attendance.»
Council Member Lynn Schulman also shared her thoughts, stating, «Today at Beth Gavriel Congregation in #ForestHills, the Jewish community and allies came together to mourn and light candles for the 6 hostages who were murdered by Hamas this past weekend. May their memories be a blessing.»
Attendee Svetlana Levitin, President of World of Women Immigrants and renowned community member, reflected on the tragedy, saying, «Instead of choosing life for these six hostages, they brutally murdered them. Rabbi Michael Miller from JCRC reminded us that while we mourn, we always have hope.»
As the vigil concluded, the community left with heavy hearts but also with a renewed sense of purpose to continue advocating for justice and peace, and above all, hope.
Erin Levi