STAND WITH ISRAEL RALLY, LONDON

Thousands stand with the people of Israel in solidarity rally, London, 23 July 2006

The rally in Kenton, North London, was organised by The Board of Deputies of British Jews and attracted approximately 7,500 supporters -- possibly more than the anti-Israel protest from the day before!

Media release from The Board of Deputies of British Jews:

Thousands of British Jewish, and pro-Israeli supporters came together in solidarity for Israel at a rally at JFS school in Kenton on Sunday 23 July 2006.

At a time when Israel is under attack from Hezbollah in the North and Hamas in the West, the rally stressed Israel's legitimate right to defend itself, and the need for an end to terror in the region.

There was a live link-up with Israeli citizens under attack in the northern Israeli area of Moshav Peki'in, in the Upper Galilee.

Addressing the solidarity rally, His Excellency, Zvi Heifetz, Ambassador of Israel said:

"Hezbollah had 12,000 missiles on our border. Some capable of reaching Tel Aviv.

"We are not alone in our struggle. We are supported by the international community. At the G8 summit and at the meeting of European ministers. The leaders of the civilized world are not blind to the facts. Their message was clear -- Hezbollah is responsible. And Israel has the right to defend its people.

"Israel wants only peace with its neighbours and the right to live in security. Israel wants to continue to prosper as a Jewish and democratic state guided by our principles of justice and equality. This is the true message of Israel."

Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks speaks:

Young people singing and having fun:

Young and old alike are enjoying the day.

Jews for Justice for Palestinians ... were annoying some of the arriving attendees, and some heated little debates ensued.



LGF'er Nannette wrote a good summary of the day's events:

Israel Solidarity Rally, London, 23rd July 2006

The rally projected its message of Israel wanting only peace, to all who were there to listen, including the major news outlets, like BBC TV, ITN and Channel 4.

There was a wonderful feeling of unity amongst the crowd of 7,500 with many of them singing songs of peace, before the speeches started.

Anti-terrorist MP, Andrew Dismore was there in support of the rally and its message.

Amongst the speakers, were the Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks and the Israeli Ambassador, Zvi Hefetz, both of whom gave tremendous speeches, spelling out that Israel wants peace, which is why they left Lebanon in 2000, and that, if UN Resolution 1559, (which requires the disarming and disbanding of all militia in Lebanon), was adhered to by the Lebanese government, then the countries would again be living side by side with no problems. Instead, Israel has had to defend itself from the daily torrent of katyushas, fajrs, and raad missiles being fired at its civilian population, a situation initiated by Hizbollah.

The Israelis feel compassion for the wounded and dead Lebanese civilians, who have been dragged into this war by the terrorists.

They also spoke of the situation in Gaza, which Israel left last year. They talked of how the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas, have spent tens of millions of dollars on weapons and arms, instead of spending money on the infrastructure of their country, or on food, homes, hospitals and schools, all of which would improve the life of the Gazans. Why then, deprive their own people and use the phenomenal amount of aid money to continue waging war on Israel?

Then was a live link with a bomb shelter in northern Israel, they told us that one of the schools had been bombed on Thursday. Clothing and childrens toys had been sent over from the UK Jewish groups to help with the crisis, because, unlike their neighbours, Israel has been offered no aid or help from humanitarian organisations. All donations have come from the global Jewish community.

Messages of support came from the Hindu Forum, who joined with us in calling for an end to Islamic terrorism, and their pleas for peace were heard by all of us, as well as the media who were there.

Anglicans for Israel were present, conveying their message of support and peace.

A very moving message was sent by Sudanese refugees from Darfur, who know the devastating effect of Islamist terror on their own lives. They cry out for peace, and a life without fear, (but shamefully the ears of the world, and of the global media, are deaf to them – ed).

Nannette says, let us all unite and with one voice, call for peace --- and an end to terror.

Other news articles and reports covering the event:

London: Thousands rally for Israel -- Ynetnews
normandeploome has some great photos of the event.
More pictures here.

Contact: moonbatmedia@googlemail.com