NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Hundreds gathered at a playground in Brooklyn Sunday to express their support for Israel and demand the release of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas durng its Oct. 7 terror attack in southern Israel. More than 220 people were kidnapped and 1,400 Israelis murdered.
“Everyone is urged to come express their unwavering support for the people of Israel and pray for the safety of the soldiers and the release of the hostages,” the flyer for the "Brooklyn United for Israel" rally in Midwood read.
Singer Benny Friedman, a Hasidic Jewish singer and non-pulpit rabbi who gained traction in the Orthodox pop scene with his 2009 album, performed at the demonstration.
The rally -- held on Ocean Avenue between Avenues O and P -- included a reading of the names of the eighteen children being held hostage by Hamas and a variety of speakers.
“Our strength is only when we are unified, for every soldier, for every one of the hostages,” author Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser said while on the microphone.
“I was born in Israel, I’m a Jewish person and I never seen so much hate against Israel and my people,” one protestor told 1010 WINS/WCBS 880.
Police Inspector Richie Taylor – the highest ranking Orthodox Jewish officer in the NYPD – spoke at the rally with hope for the future.
“Please God, we pray to live in peace, release the hostages and we should have no more sorrow in the world,” Taylor said.