By Zach Patberg and John Tozzi
“We're hoping and praying for a miracle,” said Cynthia Zalinsky, executive director of the Queens Jewish Community Council. “But we're realistic with the prognosis.”U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Bayside), the ranking Democrat on the House Subcommittee on the Middle East, arrived on a scheduled trip to Israel shortly before Sharon suffered a massive stroke on Jan. 4, his spokesman Jordan Goldes said. Ackerman attended vigils at Sharon's hospital and met with Israeli leaders, including Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Goldes said. He was scheduled to return to New York Wednesday night.Doctors reported that the 77-year-old Israeli leader was making progress Tuesday, saying he moved his left hand and appeared to respond to voices, according to the Associated Press.Sharon had been in a medically induced coma since last Thursday as Israel's government struggled to stay the course with its relations with the Palestinians without him in power.”It's a tragic time for Israel and the Jewish people and we all wish him a speedy recovery,” said Benyamin Hammer, rabbi of the Young Israel of New Hyde Park. “He's a hero of the state of Israel.”But while most Queens leaders praised Sharon for his leadership and expressed hope for his recovery, others in the borough disagreed with the prime minister's handling of the withdrawal of Israeli settlers from the Gaza Strip.Boris Pincus, the president of the Corona-based American Association for Central Asian and Caucasian Countries, faulted Sharon for giving up the Gaza Strip without a more solid settlement with the Palestinians.”I respect what was done by Sharon as a general, but unfortunately he made a mistake when he pulled out of Gaza without a deal with the Palestinians,” he said.Following Sharon's stroke, the title of prime minister was transferred to Olmert, the deputy premier. He and Sharon's newly formed party, Kadima, are bracing themselves for Israel's scheduled election on March 28.The campaign was suspended after Sharon's stroke, and it is unclear whether the election will be held on time or whether, if Sharon remains incapacitated, Olmert will lead the Kadima party to victory.Queens officials continued to hope for Sharon's recovery and progress toward stability in the region.”My prayer is that Prime Minister Sharon will recover,” said Assemblyman Mark Weprin (D-Little Neck). “However, if as it appears a likely, he is unable to lead, I hope the new leader continues to focus on independence, security and peace. “His brother, Councilman David Weprin (D-Hollis), also said his prayers were with the people of Israel.”Ariel Sharon has been an outstanding military and civil leader who always has the best interest of Israel at heart,” he said in a statement. “We will continue to hope and pray for a full recovery for the prime minister, so that he may continue in his pursuit of peace and stability in the region.”Reporter Adam Pincus contributed to this report.
