As the war between Israel and Hamas continues, communities across New York state are doing what they can to show their support for Israel from a distance.

For members of the Rochester community, this year’s 25th annual Rikud Rochester Israeli dance marathon and workshop has a deeper meaning.

“Coming here to this Israeli dancing weekend has been uplifting in a way that we’re gathering together and dancing and we’re all feeling very similarly,” said participant Lisa Cline.

“This year our workshop and marathon really has an extra bit of emphasis,” workshop coordinator Max Steiner said. “And that’s because of the crisis happening now in Israel.” 

The workshop offered members of the Jewish community a place where they not only could dance together, but grieve and reflect together.

“It’s a struggle,” Cline said. “Do we dance [or] do we not dance?” 

“There are many groups that have stopped dancing but we have really committed to continue to keep up with our support emotionally and we do that through Israeli dance,” Steiner said.

The event ultimately allowed dancers like Cline another way to show support for Israel.

“We are dancing in unity,” she said. “And we’re playing music that is a reflection of Israel, the beauty of Israel [and] the strength of Israel. Some people feel that it’s not the right time to dance and celebrate. Other people, us here I guess, feel that dancing is a way to come together and to show our spirit and our unity and that we’re doing this for everyone who is suffering in Israel.”

She says it also strengthens her faith.

“I’m reading prayers every day for the safety of the soldiers and in memory of and those who have died," she said. "And it’s just helping my spirituality as well."

It allowed people to continue giving their support in the best ways they can.

“From the distance, I think they and we are doing all that we can to be there for our Israeli family,” said Cline.