Officials, residents gather to support Israel

     Israel’s sudden war with Hamas -- a group President Joe Biden called a “terrorist organization” with “bloody hands” after it took hostages and massacred hundreds of Jews, including Americans, during a surprise sabbath attack on Oct. 7 -- prompted Miami Lakes officials to hold a community prayer vigil on Oct. 11.

     “When we’re facing evil, it’s important we do it in numbers,” Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid said in a Facebook video prior to the event.

Town Hall was bathed in blue light, a color in the Israeli flag. Miami-Dade Police officers stood watch for the hour, including a K-9 that searched the building and grounds. Speakers included Hialeah Mayor Steve Bovo, Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid and Council members Josh Dieguez, Tony Fernandez and Ray Garcia. Pastor Pablo Lago of the La Roca Firme church in Hialeah and Rabbi Mendy Weiss of Chabad Miami Lakes led prayers for peace before the somber crowd of 65 people, some of whom held U.S. and Israeli flags.