Last night in Pan Pacific Park, more than 500 members of the Los Angeles Jewish community game together for a candlelight vigil for Naftali Frenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrach – the three teenagers who were kidnapped in Israel last week. Families, young adults and children from across the spectrum of our diverse L.A. Jewish community filled the park’s amphitheater to its capacity to show support for the boys and solidarity with Israel.
Organized by Jewish Federation Los Angeles, the event was emceed by our President & CEO Jay Sanderson. Community leaders, elected officials, and inter-faith religious leaders spoke during the program including: Cantor Joseph Gole, Consul General of Israel David Siegel, Antonio Villaraigosa, Rabbi Brian Schuldenfrei, County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, California State Senator Ted Lieu, Los Angeles Controller Ron Galperin, West Hollywood City Councilmember John Duran, Rabbi Denise Eger, The Right Reverend Alexei Smith, Pastor Carlos Diaz, Pastor Stephen McGlover, and Rabbi Kalman Topp.
While everyone spoke passionately about the community coming together to call for the immediate and safe return of the teenagers, it was Gilad Shaar’s aunt, Lihi Shaar who deeply touched the hearts of the attendees. The Los Angeles resident spoke lovingly about Gilad’s personality, talents and warmth. She explained that his first name translates to “happiness forever.”
Antonio Villaraigosa talked about his recent trip to Israel and brought the crowd to its feet during his remarks. Though no longer serving as Mayor, he spoke of the strong, lasting connection between Los Angeles, the Jewish community and Israel.
We stand in solidarity with Israel and condemn the kidnapping of innocent teenagers. Our Federation organized the vigil on behalf of our community so that our family in Israel knows that Los Angeles is united in caring for the well-being of Gilad, Naftali and Eyal. In this time of crisis, together we are showing the world the strength of the Jewish people and demonstrating our unwavering support for Israel.
For additional coverage of the vigil, read the story in the Jewish Journal.
