By Sergio Carmona, Staff Writer

Via: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/florida-jewish-journal/news/miami-dade-count...

As Israel's battle with Hamas terrorists escalates, more than 3,500 South Floridians of different faiths and backgrounds showed their overwhelming support for the Jewish state at a community solidarity rally on July 31.

The rally, dubbed "Miami Unites for Israel," took place at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center inNorth Miami Beach and its sponsors included the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, its Jewish Community Relations Council and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami in partnership with the Israeli American Council, area synagogues, and other Jewish organizations and agencies. Those who attended held up signs supporting Israel and condemning Hamas as they heard a 15-second siren, listened to prayers and songs, learned about the experiences from IDF soldiers and local students who came back from study-abroad programs in the Jewish state and listened to remarks by several local leaders.

"I'm very happy with this great turnout," said Nova Grassiani, an Israeli-American living in Miami who attended the rally. "To come together as a community really helps and makes us feel that we're not alone."

Hannah Landman, a North Miami Beach resident who held a sign saying "Miami Unites for Israel," was very proud to see fellow pro-Israel people at the event showing their support.

"This is the time when we most need to come together to show the world that we're here for Israel and that Israel is here to stay," Landman said.

Jacob Solomon, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation's president and chief executive officer, told the crowd, "In addition to standing together with Israel, we have to act."

"There are many things you can do," Solomon urged the crowd. "We can write letters to Congress and to the Administration, urging their continued support and thanking them for being the best friends that Israel has."

Solomon also told them that buying Israeli products and countering the BDS movement is another way of showing solidarity, as well as calling someone they know in Israel and telling them they're thinking about them.

Chaim Shacham, consul general of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico remarked, "Israel's right to defend itself is unquestionable," as the crowd applauded, "While Hamas' use of human shields is undeniable."

"I, just like everyone of you, feels anguish and anger at the tragic sights of Palestinian civilian causalities," Shacham added. "Don't worry. It's okay to feel the humane empathy for Gazan civilians."

Shacham mentioned that this is not a betrayal of Israel and that the civilians of Gaza are not their enemies.

"If we would not feel pain in the face of human suffering, we would be no better than our terrorist aggressors," Shacham remarked. "For Israel, every civilian casualty is a tragedy while for Hamas, it is a victory."

Pastor Carlos Ortiz, national Hispanic coordinator of Christians United for Israel, offered a message to the crowd, "Israel is not alone," that was followed by applause. He mentioned that millions of Evangelicals in America are supporting Israel at this difficult moment.

"Now, more than ever, we are ready to be united with our Jewish brothers and sisters because we are spiritual brothers and sisters," Ortiz remarked. "We are bounded by the Torah, we are bounded by the eternal word of God and what used to divide us is not as important as what unites us today."

The rally also included remarks by Florida Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who mentioned that Israel is a very special partner with Florida, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.

"This is why I'm here with you today — to call an end to the attack on Israel and put an end to violence that is causing so much suffering to our friends," Gimenez remarked.