By By Tali Gourarie, other
As the violence in Israel continues, local teen members of Young Judaea’s Seattle Club have taken it upon themselves to do their part in working towards peace. Because every terror attack is a tragic event, no matter where it occurs or how frequently, Young Judaea has committed itself to commemorate each and every attack. As a result, they have begun the memorial “Five O’Clock Vigil Campaign” in the greater Seattle area, as well as throughout the whole nation. As part of their 2002–2003 Social Action Plan, Young Judaeans across the country are standing up and making their voices heard.
In the days following every terror attack, Young Judaea holds a vigil. The vigils are open to people of all ages, religions, and political beliefs. It is their hope that Young Judaea’s actions will be able to help the American Jewish community in raising awareness of these attacks.
Seattle club Young Judaea’s vigils have taken place at Herzl-Ner Tamid synagogue on Mercer Island. The kavana (spirit) present at these vigils shows the concern within the Jewish community for Israel. Nationally, the vigils have ranged in attendance from five to around 100 people. Regardless of the numbers, these vigils have all accomplished the same goal: to give a voice to those that have been silenced by terror attacks. Motivated Zionists throughout the country have organized these vigils with the hope that they will become a setting in which the community can find solace together while raising awareness within the community and themselves.
Throughout this intifada, many people have felt helpless. While the vigils don’t necessarily have the power to end the intifada, Young Judaea’s members wish to show their brothers and sisters in Israel that they care. It is their hope that the rest of the community — whether Jewish or not — that these terror attacks will not silence the Jewish people.
The next vigil has been planned for Sunday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 pm at the outdoor waterfront behind Herzl-Ner Tamid on Mercer Island. In case of inclement weather, the vigil will move inside the synagogue. Seattle Club Young Judaea invites all interested people to attend.
For more information about this vigil or future events, email the Seattle club of Young Judaea at [email protected].
Young Judaea holds events for Jewish Youth in grades 3–12. Tali Gourarie, a high school student from Kirkland, has been a member of Young Judaea for over nine years and currently sits on the national executive board. She and the rest of the Seattle mazkirut (executive board) create social Zionism-based programs in the Seattle area.