BOSTON - The Israeli Consulate of New England has decided after consulting with the local Jewish community to proceed with plans for a toned-down Independence Day on Tuesday, a day after the bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon which killed three and wounded more than 170 people.
The evening is now being billed as an evening of Israeli solidarity with the city of Boston, said Shai Bazak, the Israeli Consul for the region.
There will be a moment of silence, prayers by a local rabbi, and speeches that will address the unprecedented attack on the city during the Boston Marathon, the oldest and most prestigious of the American marathons and a centerpiece of hometown pride.
“We hesitated and considered canceling the event but this will show that Israel and Americans stand together, both in joyous and difficult occasions.”
The governor will not be attending as planned, and no alcohol will be served at the reception.
Bazak himself was only a few blocks away from the attack and heard the sound of the booms but did not think they could possibly be an attack.
“An attack in Boston – one does not even consider it could happen,” he said.
“As an Israeli in Boston it’s surreal to get phone calls from Israel where people are calmly celebrating Independence Day and asking if we here are okay.”
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