Retired Richmond Bishop Sullivan Tells Jewish Audience "I Stand in Solidarity with the Innocent People of Lebanon"

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

A celebration of the return of nine local teens from a two-week educational excursion to Israel was dominated by expressions of solidarity with Israelis bombarded by Hezbollah missiles.

More than 300 people packed into the Weinstein JCC last night, lining the walls of the Israel November Auditorium to listen to speeches supporting Israel's attacks on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon.

But even as their nation attempts to defend itself, Israelis must continue to seek peace, said Ellen Chernack, executive director of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

"We must pray for the safety of the people caught in the crossfire of terrorism," said Chernack, who recently visited Israel. "Acts of love and kindness must prevail."

Rabbis sang prayers for the safety of Israelis while others read poems and recited the Torah.

Federation representative Ric Arenstein read supportive letters from Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell and from Sen. George Allen, R-Va.

Arenstein also told the assembly they were "ambassadors for Israel" responsible for educating acquaintances about the Mideast crisis.

Catholic Bishop Walter F. Sullivan reminded the audience to also think of the conflict's Lebanese casualties.

"I stand in solidarity with the innocent people of Lebanon sadly, the victims of a war that was not of their doing," he said.

(emphasis added)

My Comments:
The Times-Dispatch story gives no indication as to how Bishop Sullivan's Jewish audience reacted to his remarks.