Local Christian and Jewish leaders guided more than a dozen residents in a prayer of lament and hope on the corner of West 231st Street and Kingsbridge Avenue Oct. 20, prompted by the shooting of Oscar Belgal in Marble Hill by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer and growing concern about ICE presence in the neighborhood.
Christ Church Riverdale’s Mother Emily Lukanich said the idea arose from realizing there was a community need to verbalize the fear residents are feeling, and move forward. Faith leaders need to challenge the idea that Christianity, Judaism, or Islam is the only way, she said, and working together strengthens the community.
Church of the Mediator on West 231st Street, Christ Church Riverdale on Henry Hudson Parkway East, Grace Tabernacle on Corlear Avenue and the Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale on West 250th Street were among the local religious institutions represented…