LAKELAND, Fla. — As a show of support and solidarity with Israel since the terrorist attacks, folks gathered Wednesday night in Lakeland for a rally.

What You Need To Know

  •  Hundreds gathered in Lakeland for rally supporting Israel

  •  Law enforcement vows zero tolerance for antisemitic behavior 

  •  Rabbi has called for continued support

Hundreds of people showed up at Temple Emanuel for a rally in support of Israel. Clergy representing other faiths joined with elected officials as part of the crowd of supporters. Rabbi David Goldstein expressed his gratitude to the group.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here,” he said. “For many of you for constantly being here. But I’m asking you to do something, don’t let this be the end of your support.” 

Ana Rubinstein brought her young children to the rally, not to be reminded of the horrors of the world they live, but instead to be surrounded by the love of the community they live in.

“My husband is Jewish. Our family’s Jewish so we’re here to support the family,” she said. “It’s definitely a heavy thing. It’s a lot to process all the way around. That’s really the only word I have right now it’s just heavy.”

But inside the temple that heaviness was greeted by a full house of supporters, neighbors and residents of all faiths offering hugs and showing support. Rubinstein says it was a heartwarming reception for her and her children to experience and she hopes a lesson of love.

“Children are just adults trying to learn how things are going,” she said. “And really it’s just keeping it simple and the details are there but you know just keeping it simple so that they understand the gravity of it. And just look at the people that came in here that I think that’s the biggest take away is just community yeah and hope.”