Empty Seat at Local Synagogue Sends Message of Hope for Gaza Hostages

A few weeks ago, Rabbi Alvin Wainhaus of Congregation Or Shalom  designated a seat in the sanctuary as a "Seat of Hope."

The plaque on the seat, created by their member Frank Celmer, reads:

"Congregation Or Shalom has set aside this empty Seat of Hope for the hostages in Gaza.

‍May the evil designs of their abductors come to nought. May the hostages return safely to the loving embrace of their families, please God. Am Yisrael Hai! Israel lives on."

The seat is decorated with a prayer shawl, an Israeli flag and pictures of the hostages. The pictures highlight the youngest of the hostages, 1 year old Kfir Bibas. Copies of a prayer known as, "Acheinu," being said around the world, have been placed on the empty seat.

The prayer, in English translation, reads:

‍Regarding our brothers and sisters of the house of Israel,
Who are suffering the agony of captivity:
God, have mercy on them, we implore You!
Bring them from peril to safety,
From darkness to light,
From bondage to freedom,
Now, swiftly, soon!
And let us say, Amen.