Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board joined with local officials, local rabbis, families, community leaders and hundreds of residents at a community rally in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month at Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park. The rally was organized to express the Town’s commitment of standing with Israel, as well as demanding the safe return of Israeli hostages still held captive by Hamas. Organizers were also joined by Holocaust Survivor Alfred Weinberg of Farmingdale, and Israeli Defense Forces Combat Soldier Ira Kohler of Plainview.
“For centuries, the resolve, optimism and faith of Jewish people has inspired others around the world. During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable impact of Jewish values, contributions and cultures, but we also stand with Israel and honor the resilience of our ally in the face of terror,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We call upon world leaders, federal officials, college presidents and all community stakeholders to denounce the ongoing hate against Jews and their right to live in peace.”
Also joining in the rally were Mindy Perlmutter, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island; Rick Lewis, chief executive officer of the Mid-Island Y JCC; Eric Post, regional director of American Jewish Committee Long Island; Moji Pourmoradi, director of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center. Town Tax Receiver Jeff Pravato also spoke on the importance of standing with Israel and on behalf of the Neutra family of Plainview, who continue to call for the return of their son Omer, who was taken hostage on October 7th by Hamas.
“It’s important we remember, we are not alone. As Jewish Americans, we cannot be afraid. We will fight. We will not let antisemitism take over this country. Every single one of us has a voice and we cannot let those voices fade. If we fade, they win, and we cannot let them win,” Pravato said. “They said they want a cease fire – well we want one too. We want a cease fire when every hostage is returned, when Hamas is defeated, eradicated from the face of the earth and the Palestinian people can live in harmony.”
Town officials also unveiled the ‘Tree of Life’ plaque, which was placed at the base of a tree in the park to symbolize hope, love and unity while forever remembering those lost to terror.