At the 2025 Israeli flag raising ceremony, attendees wore orange and held orange programs in solidarity with the Bibas family and in memory of Rabbi Zvi Kogan. z”l, to whom the event was dedicated.
Organizer Steve Goldberg said, “Nothing indicates Jew hatred like choking two children to death and murdering a rabbi in the UAE.” A line printed in the program read, “My problem isn’t getting over Oct. 7. It’s getting over Oct. 8,” referring to the disinformation that followed the Hamas-led attack on Israel.
Adam Negnewitzky opened the event with a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Remarks followed from Clifton Mayor Raymond Grabowski and Assistant Superintendent Janina Kusielewicz.
Rabbi Solomon Rybak, who was in Israel on Oct. 7, spoke about the bravery of IDF soldiers. Lily Goodman D’Amato, wife of Councilman Chris D’Amato, reflected on her three visits to Israel and said it is a place where every Jew, regardless of age or denomination, can feel at home and be themselves.
Ariella Rada of the Israeli Consulate shared the story of her family’s rescue from Ethiopia when she was 3. “Israel didn’t just save my family,” she said. “It saved my culture. I represent not just myself but generations of my family who didn’t make it. They live through me.”
Assemblywoman Rosaura Bagolie emphasized the importance of elected officials speaking out against terrorism and supporting Israel. Councilman Daniel Schwartz offered a blessing for the United States, followed by a prayer for the state of Israel from event co-sponsor Susan Zylbert, Goldberg’s wife.
Cantor Irving Cohen led the crowd in reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish. Negnewitzky returned to sing a rousing rendition of Hatikvah indoors and again as the Israeli flag was raised by Shlomo Rosen, a former lone soldier who served in the IDF in 2016.
While a few protesters drove by, the crowd remained steadfast in its support for Israel and in its resolve to stand against terrorism in Israel, Kashmir, Syria and around the world.
Am Yisrael Chai.
