Long Island Sees ‘Fly-By’ in Support of Israel

Yesterday, Monday, October 12, Director of Chabad in Mineola, NY, Rabbi Anchelle Perl, joined a group of pilots and community activists in several aircraft for a ‘fly by’ over Long Island, in a demonstration of support for Israel.

Rabbi Perl describes the experience:

On Monday Oct 12, at 10am we all assembled at the Republic Airport in Farmingdale NY. This was the beginning of an exciting and well planned 90 minute ‘Support for Israel Fly-By’ presented by the Israeli New York Flight Club.

Chief Flight Instructor for the Club, Robert Keleti began his detailed briefing to the pilots and the gathered guests. Robert recognized us all and acknowledged one special guest pilot. Assaf, who fly’s F-16’s in the IDF, was warmly applauded and thanked for his service to the Jewish people.

At 11:30am seven assorted single engine planes graced the sunny skies along the South Shore of Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn. From Fire Island to Coney Island and back.

As guest of my longtime friend, Nathan Hoffmann, the Pilot-Manager of the Israeli New York Flight Club, I tagged along in a four seater plane with expert pilot Ilan Nachum at the throttle.

Joining us in the cabin, was Ilan’s young daughter and David Ben-Hooran, publisher of the JewishVoiceNY.com. This was my maiden flight on a small plane, I was really nervous, I did feel better and relieved when Pilot Ilan announced the engine test was OK!

So in a show of Solidarity with Israel at this difficult time, the planes flew in formation. Over my headsets I could constantly hear lead pilot Robert, reminding everyone to stay in line and not drop to below than 1000 feet.

Being familiar with the South Shore of Long Island, I could easily identify the Lido Beach Towers, the Meadowbrook Parkway, Bach Jewish Center, Young Israel of Long Beach, the Allegria Hotel and even the Coney Island Amusement Park. It was great to see so many people on the different area boardwalks waving up to us in solidarity.

From a mere 1000 feet high, the earth below seemed so peaceful, even the many cars racing on the Belt Parkway blended into the feeling of serenity and cohesiveness felt by everyone.

When you are in the sky, the elevation provides you with a broader vision, a more encompassing one.

What an invaluable lesson. We really could have real peace in Israel and around the world if we stepped back and saw the bigger picture. This is really a beautiful world created by G-d, with enough room for all to live side by side, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and mission of sacred holiness. For we each possess in our souls the ability to bring holiness and purpose to all.

Thank you Israeli New York Flyer Club for your efforts! Am Yisroel Chai! May we all merit to see the redemption speedily now.