Crestline believers hold Israel prayer vigil on Hamas ‘Day of Rage’ (SLIDESHOW)

CRESTLINE — October 13th was designated by Hamas leaders as a ‘Global Day of Rage.’ The declaration came after Israeli attacks on Gaza that stemmed from Hamas’ massacre of over one thousand Jewish civilians. Many in the civilized world turned a deaf ear to the Day of Rage, including one Ohio community on the ‘other side of the tracks.’

Hamas has called for the eradication of Israel. As demonstrations of rage against the Jewish State were occurring in public squares Friday the 13th, believers chose to gather together in solidarity for Israel at the Crestline Village Gazebo. Crestline is known for being a hub for major railways, and it became a hub for prayer Friday evening.

“This is a great opportunity to show our solidarity with the Nation of Israel,” says Rabbi Bob Bauer. “It is crucial for individuals of all Bible- believing congregations to come together in prayer and show support for Israel. Hamas is a terrorist group and is trying to wipe Israel off the map. This is our time to corporately and publicly overcome evil with good.”

Prayers from the Book of Psalms were given by those in attendance and were in stark contrast to the flag burning and death chants of Hamas protesters in their day of rage.

“We pray O merciful and gracious GOD, abundant in love and compassion. Save us from rage and from wrath. If we are without righteousness or good deeds, remember Your covenant with our ancestors and remember our daily affirmation,” the group of fifty prayed.

The Rabbi from Beit El Elyon in Crestline believes that while Israel is six thousand miles away from Ohio, an attack on Israel is an attack on his Biblical values and Judeo-Christian heritage. “The Bible instructs us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and to seek its prosperity. We are family. An attack on Israel is an attack on us.”

The Hamas attack on October 7th in Israel sparked the worst conflict in the region in fifty years and has been called Israel’s 911. Law enforcement agencies across the nation said they were stepping up their security presence around synagogues and other places of worship. Bauer’s synagogue is located adjacent to the Crestline Police Station and the congregation also has a trained security force.

“We are not worried about the enemies of Israel, it is Hamas that should be worried. The Bible is clear that Israel is the apple of GOD’s eye. It is these moments of tragedy that are uniting Bible believers together. The following week nearby Trinity Lutheran Church hosted a prayer vigil to stand with Israel. Our community is coming together.”

The Village of Crestline has a record of support for the Nation of Israel. In a proclamation observing Israel’s seventy-fifth anniversary from May 2023, Crestline Mayor Linda Horning-Pitt wrote, “The desire of the Jewish people to establish an independent modern State of Israel is an outgrowth of the historic kingdom of Israel established in the land of Israel three thousand years ago with the City of Jerusalem as its capital.”

Now if only Arabs could recognize this.

The Bottom Line:

The Bible says in Genesis Fifteen, “On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”

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