Mideast event concern local religious leaders
Local religious leaders expressed concern over the conflict now taking place between Lebanon and Israel. The Rev. Joseph R. David, pastor of St. George Maronite Catholic Church in Uniontown, said, “I’m extremely disturbed. I have relatives over there. It’s just a sad situation. A lot of innocent people are dying.’
Asked if any members of the congregation have heard from anyone in Lebanon, Rev. David said he has indirectly.
“I talked to my cousin in Nevada whose father is over there visiting and is waiting to get out,’ he said. “They’re up in the mountains and everything is fine, but they’re developing a shortage of food, water and electricity – the necessities.’
St. George Maronite Catholic Church in Uniontown will hold a Mass for peace in Lebanon at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, the Feast of St. Sharbel.
Rabbi Sion David, rabbi emeritus of Temple Israel in Uniontown and chaplain for the state Correctional Institution at Fayette, SCI-Somerset and SCI-Laurel Highlands, said, “It’s unfortunate that it’s even happening, but having family in Israel, I fear for the people. The people in Israel and Lebanon are caught in the middle.’
Rabbi David said he has a sister living outside of Haifa, which is being affected by the missiles as well as family living in other areas of Israel.
Speaking of his sister, Rabbi David said, “She’s doing OK. It’s tough. They have to be around the house to get to the shelters. She’s in an apartment building and there’s a shelter in the building. Sometimes they have two minutes to get to the shelter; sometimes less than two minutes.’
Both the pastor and rabbi spoke about the situation, noting historical as well as current situations.
Rabbi David said, “I don’t know the answer. I think the bottom line is that innocent people are suffering. Hopefully, it will end soon.’