1,000 at Temple Show Support for Troops and Pray for Israel

Nearly 1,000 people crowded into a North Hollywood synagogue Sunday evening to show support for Allied forces in the Middle East and to pray for the safety of Israel.

Jewish leaders said the gathering at temple Adat Ari El, organized by the Jewish Federation Council, was intended to help local Jews cope with the crisis and to let Israelis know that Jews abroad stand behind them.

At the same time, another service, also sponsored by the federation, was held at Sinai Temple in Westwood.

The gatherings were just two of several prayer services prompted by the Persian Gulf War, and held Sunday at temples, churches and mosques throughout the Southland.

“Israel and the United States stand hand in hand against a common tyrant, an aggressor, a man who has shown he is brutal enough to attack a defenseless neighbor--Kuwait--and now to launch an unprovoked attack against Israel,” Tsuriel Rafael, deputy consul general for the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles, told the North Hollywood audience.

Rafael reiterated his government’s position that it intends to respond to the Scud missile attacks on Tel Aviv and Haifa on Friday and Saturday.

“Israel has the right to defend itself,” Rafael said. “We will indeed choose the right time and the right place to retaliate. But we will also take action . . . that will not hurt American interests because we want to see the American mission succeed.”

Rafael also said the missile attacks severely damaged 500 houses and left 660 people at least temporarily homeless. Some residents are being put up in hotels until it is safe to return home. The dwellings of many others were destroyed, he said.

Also attending the meeting was Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley), who praised Israel’s decision not to retaliate immediately after the Scud attacks.

“This is a very difficult time to stay there and hold back,” Gallegly told the temple audience. “But it is in the best interests of the U. S. and the world if we don’t allow ourselves to play into the hands of this madman, Saddam Hussein.”

Gallegly, who co-authored the House resolution allowing the President to use force against Iraq, said war was necessary to prevent a potentially bloodier conflict should Hussein acquire nuclear weapons.

Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs said the United States and Israel share common interests in fighting for freedom and called on Americans and Israelis to support allied troops in the region.

“This isn’t a game. This is life and death. We have to support our country,” he said.