Crowd gathers in Hastings to show solidarity with Israel
A crowd of about two hundred people gathered in Hastings tonight to show solidarity with Israel in the wake of the Hamas terror attacks.
Organised by Pastor Nigel Woodley, of Flaxmere Christian Fellowship, Candlelight Vigil for Israel saw people of all ages gather together with the nation-state's flag and candles.
A moment of silence was acknowledged, and the Israel National Anthem - Hatikvah - was sung.
"We had to do this. We could not not do this," Woodley said to the crowd.
"We had to come to stand in solidarity after seeing the horrific images of what was happening to the people of Israel - the murder, the carnage, those taken hostage as captives, treated like cattle and then those in hospital.
"Israel has suffered a grievous wound over the last couple of days and for them to see support from the ends of the earth in New Zealand will mean a tremendous lot to them."
In pictures: Candlelight Vigil for Israel
