Dozens gather in Lancaster city's Penn Square on Sunday afternoon to pray for Israel

Dozens of people endured bitter cold temperatures and strong winds Sunday afternoon to publicly stand and pray for Israel in Lancaster city’s Penn Square.

“We gather today not to protest but to pray because the peace that’s needed, only God can turn hearts that can change situations,” said Matthew Kroll, pastor of the Lord’s House of Prayer in Lancaster city and organizer of the Stand With Israel event.

When the attack on Israel happened in October, Kroll said he became upset, and he felt the church shouldn’t be passive.

“I felt like God said … ‘Will you stand with Israel?’ And I said, ‘Absolutely.’”

Miriam Baumgartner, president of the Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster, said the relatively small Jewish community appreciates the community’s support.

“When we hear that others are standing up for us, it … just warms our heart,” Baumgartner said. “It really feels nice that the non-Jewish community is willing to very publicly stand with us and stand with Israel.”

Shelli McWilliams and her husband, Robin McWilliams, both of Martic Township, were bundled up in Penn Square, said they heard about the event through their church and came to show their support for Israel.

“It’s horrible because we’re watching what might happen here. Who says it won’t?” Shelli, 67, said, holding a flag with her husband, 68, which said “We stand with Israel.”

Matt Irwin, 40, of East Petersburg Borough attended with his wife, Katlyn, and three kids, ages 1, 4 and 7. Irwin said he heard about the event through the Lord’s House of Prayer.

“So I don’t like loss, whether it’s Israel, whether it’s Hamas. It doesn’t matter which side, loss isn’t good and loss occurred,” he said. “And so, that’s what I’m here standing against.”

Irwin said his church, which he has attended for about 15 years, has missionaries in Israel who were also impacted by the attack.

“I believe that there’s a turn around that’s coming, so for those who feel like it’s the end of the world, I don’t think that’s the case,” he said. “I believe there’s a reason for hope, and that people should be hoping again.”