Political leadership in South Brooklyn: Standing with Israel

Hundreds in community appear to rally for release of Hamas hostages

May 22, 2024 Special to IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Left to right, front row: Assemblymember William Colton, Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Democratic Assembly candidate Joey Saban. Photos courtesy of Kings County Democrats

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On Sunday, May 19, an event called “South Brooklyn Stands with Israel” convened hundreds from across the borough for a resounding rally at the Holocaust Memorial Park in Sheepshead Bay. The gathering vigorously called for the release of hostages held by Hamas since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack.

Brooklyn Democratic elected officials and prominent advocates spoke in support of Israel and denounced the rising antisemitism among hundreds of rally-goers — including Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Bichotte Heremlyn, Assemblymember William Colton, and JCRC-NY CEO Mark Tyeger (also a former Council Member).

Assemblymember and Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (center) speaking.

Also recognized was Israel’s Independence Day — Yom Ha’atzmaut — marking the Israeli Declaration of Independence on 14 May 1948. While celebrating Israel’s independence, speakers also solemnly denoted that it’s been 226 days since the Israel-Hamas conflict started.

“This 76th Independence Day of Israel is markedly somber, with our communities reeling from the most deadly attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. “Yet with our communities and leaders here today, the support is palpable, and we’re reaffirming our resolute solidarity and unity as we advocate for the safe return of hostages and pray for peace.”

“Over 150 people gathered Sunday morning united in sadness for 128 Israeli citizen hostages who must return home now,” said Stephanie Benshimol, leader of the Run for their Lives, Sheepshead Bay Chapter of the national organization.

Rallying as the Crisis Escalates

The Brooklyn event occurred during a flurry of deadly events, escalating both international tensions and local calls for action on both sides of the aisle.

Joey Saban and Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn greeting Stephanie Benshimol.

Just two days before, the Israeli military announced its forces rescued the remains of three Israeli hostages taken by militants, which officials such as Assemblymember Colton memorialized while amplifying the call for urgency.

Joey Saban, Democratic Assembly candidate and Brooklyn Democratic Party District Leader (AD 45).

And just hours after the event, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister and others were found dead Monday morning.

Organizations Advocating in Unity

“We have two primary choices in life, to accept conditions as they are, or to accept the responsibility for changing them,” added Joey Saban, Democratic Assembly Candidate for AD 45. “Today, we accepted the responsibility to start making change, to make sure everyone knows South Brooklyn stands united with Israel as one voice.”

Saban was joined by fellow Brooklyn Democratic Party District Leaders, including Dionne Brown-Jordan (AD 46) and Joyce Xie (AD 49). Saban’s call for unity was reflected by the myriad community organizations supporting the event, including Temple Beth El of Manhattan Beach, Manhattan Beach Jewish Center, Congregation Shaarie Torah, Ohel David & Shlomo, Jewish Explores, Enough is Enough, Sephardic Community Alliance, Beach Haven Community Center, Jewish Parent Academy, and more.