Nov 4, 2015

An estimated 3,000 members of our community joined in unity at the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach on Sunday, November 15 in response to the alarming rise in global anti-Semitism, in support of Israel and in commemoration of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. The “Never Again” rally was sponsored by Federation and our Jewish Community Relations Council, the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, the Consulate General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico, and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami, in partnership with 79 other organizations from throughout South Florida. Speakers included elected officials from both parties; Pastor Victor Styrsky of Christians

Federation Board Chair Robert Berrin opened the community rally by requesting a moment of silence to remember the victims of last week’s bloody assault in Paris and to honor the brave citizens of France. Offering our community’s deepest condolences to the families of the terror victims, Berrin asked Consul General of France Philippe Letrilliart, who attended the rally, to let his countrymen know that South Floridians stand in solidarity with them. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of France in this time of shock and grief,” he said. “Let it be known that we condemn the brutal murderers who conducted these vicious assaults on innocent citizens … and denounce their Islamic State terror organization that has declared a savage war on all free and peace-loving societies around the world.”

Captions

1. Norman Braman, Founding Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach and Past President of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and Andrew C. Hall, Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach

2. Federation Board Chair Robert G. Berrin asks for a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the November 13 terror attacks in Paris

3. Consul General of France Philippe Letrilliart (standing) thanks the crowd for its support of the people of France

4. President and CEO Jacob Solomon delivers a message from Federation

5. An estimated 3,000 Jews and Gentiles attended the rally

6. U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL)

7. Supporters stand up for Israel

8. Norman Braman discusses the state of anti-Semitism and hatred in today’s world

9. Federation General Campaign Chair Amy N. Dean introduces U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) and U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)

10. Program participants included (starting 4th from left) Shelley Niceley Groff, Chair of Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council; Pastor Victor Styrsky of Christians United For Israel; Ezra Katz, a Federation Past President and Holocaust Memorial founding member; and Florida Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez Cantera

11. Wendy Reiss Rothfield, Kristallnacht Program Chair, introduces Kristallnacht eyewitness and Holocaust survivor Werner Weinstock

12. Community rabbis and cantors gather together for closing songs

13. Holocaust survivors and local residents stand in solidarity

14. People of all ages participated in the rally

15. Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico Chaim Shacham shares an Israel message