BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Unity, peace and the will not to back down when faced with hate. Those concepts dominated the words spoken by religious and other area leaders Sunday at the Jewish Community Center.
Rabbi Jonathan Freirich of Temple Beth Zion said people are “Coming together to mend gravestones in desecrated cemeteries, coming together around JCC’s, coming together to point out that we are in it together.”
The multi-faith gathering outside of the Delaware Avenue center followed threats made to several institutions across the country in recent days.
Many speakers highlighted what the JCC does for the city and beyond.
“The community center is our community center, and we are all going to act as a united one to make sure it's a safe and welcoming place,” said Assemblyman Sean Ryan, D-Buffalo.
The crowd later sang and then encircled the building, reciting a round-robin prayer to “stand united against hate.” The Rev. Justo Gonzalez said what the crowd does next is what really matters.
“Where are we going to engage, and how are we going to continue to support each other?” questioned Gonzalez. “That is the true mark of living your faith and your values.”
“This is a long haul. We need to be steadfast, and show courage and compassion for one another. I see us doing that,” said Sue Tannehill of the Network of Religious Communities.
Most poignant were the words of Cantor Penny Myer's song, which stated the world is a very narrow bridge, and the main thing many need to remember is to not be afraid at all.