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Their view: Armed guards in synagogues? They’re already there

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WB officer zapped with own Taser during alleged struggle, arrest

<p>Along with many others, I was extremely proud and inspired Monday evening to see several hundred citizens of the Valley with a Heart gather at the Jewish Community Center in Wilkes-Barre to stand with the Jewish community and condemn this murderous anti-Semitism that took the lives of 11 innocents, as they were celebrating new life in their place of worship. I have spoken to my dear friends, Rabbi Larry Kaplan and Rabbi David Kaplan, about what we as members of many different religious expressions could do to further exhibit community support, following this heinous act of violent Anti-Semitism. An idea formed from this conversation.</p><p>As a further demonstration of support and solidarity for our Jewish community, we are asking all leaders of houses of worship to wear a yarmulke (kippah) on Sunday, Nov. 18, during your worship service. (Of course, any day and time is appropriate).</p><p>Temple Israel is providing the yarmulkes. You may take up to 25 yarmulkes to distribute among your congregation. Imprinted on them is the following inscription: &#8220;TOGETHER WE STAND,&#8221; along with &#8220;shalom&#8221; in Hebrew which translates as &#8220;peace.&#8221; Beginning Nov. 13, you may pick them up at the First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre, 97 S. Franklin St., from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call ahead. There are times when the office manager may not be at her desk.</p><p>There are multiple ways to exhibit one&#8217;s support in our religious communities. This is but one. Temple Israel and First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre continue a meaningful tradition that goes back 50 years. Annually, we (Rabbi Larry and Rev. Bob) visit each other&#8217;s synagogue and church, and present the sermon. We encourage your religious community to consider this great teaching expression and community gift to our respective houses of worship. Our visits are planned for Nov. 17 and 18 (both services begin at 10 a.m. and all are welcome).</p><p>We are at a time in our history to remember the broken and destructive behaviors that culminated in the execution of millions of lives. We are far from such a situation today. Nevertheless, anti-Semitism is an incipient cancer that must be recognized and addressed when it is weak. The time is at hand to be unequivocal and resolute as to where we the people stand on this heinous blight and threat to civilization.</p><p style="text-align: right;"><strong>The Rev. Dr. Robert Zanicky</strong></p><p style="text-align: right;">First Presbyterian Church, Wilkes-Barre</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Rev. Robert Zanicky</div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_Rev.-Robert-Zanicky.jpg</photo0><caption0>Rev. Robert Zanicky</caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>

Their View: Members of all faiths invited to wear yarmulke to support Jews