Borough Park

Hikind travels to Israel in a show of solidarity

October 19, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Assemblymember Dov Hikind (right) prays at the Western Wall during his trip to Israel. Photos courtesy of Hikind’s office
Share this:

Assemblymember Dov Hikind traveled to Israel in a show of solidarity with the Israeli people during a time of increasing violence and escalating tensions between Jews and Palestinians.

Hikind (D-Borough Park-Midwood) arrived in Israel on Oct. 15 and spent his first day walking the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem in a show of support and praying at the Western Wall for the peace and security of Israel. He also stopped to talk with and thank Israeli soldiers who he said are on the front lines protecting the city. In addition, Hikind visited schools in the area where American students are studying.

Hikind, the son of Holocaust survivors whose assembly district contains a large population of Orthodox Jews, said he was eager to go to Israel on a solidarity trip in light of the spate of violence in recent weeks.

“I am here to express support and give strength to Israelis as well as the thousands of Americans who are currently studying in Israel,” Hikind said.

Hikind said that despite the violence that has erupted in Israel, he is not overly concerned for his safety.

“It’s important to be cautious – but to not be afraid,” he said. On Thursday, Palestinians set fire to Joseph’s tomb, a West Bank religious site venerated by Jews and Christians. During his solidarity trip, Hikind took a tour of United Hatzolah headquarters, a non-profit group of volunteer first-responders.

“I was blown away by their lifesaving work in medical emergencies and attending to those wounded in terror attacks,” he said. The organization’s emergency medical response system uses motorcycles as a means of transportation for their volunteer medics. Hikind also visited the site of an attack near the Jerusalem Central Bus Terminal. Hikind also visited the families of victims of terror and those wounded in recent attacks.

Subscribe to our newsletters


Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment