Pro-Israel demonstrators take to the streets of L.A., other cities
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
One day after some 200 protesters gathered outside the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles protesting against Israel’s actions in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem and Gaza, pro-Israel supporters took to the streets for their own rally.
Around 300 hundred pro-Israel supporters gathered the Federal Building in West Los Angeles holding Israeli flags and signs that read, “We Stand by Israel.”
Many members of the Israeli community as well as American Jews answered a call sent out by the Israeli-American Council (IAC) and arrived at the Federal building at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Pro-Israel demonstrators take to the streets of LA. Image by Shay Perez-Debuk
“We are here to show support for Israel” said Avi Levi, who arrived with his two young children, ages 7 and 8. “I’m shocked by what’s going on in Israel, especially the lynching on the streets. We never experienced anything like that. I’m fearful for my family and for the safety of all Israelis.”
Many Israelis expressed their dissatisfaction with the media’s reporting on the conflict.
“Hamas is a terror organization and has one goal, to destroy Israel” said Dganit Volk, 32 “They hide in bunkers and tunnels and send hundreds of rockets from schools and private homes. When I read the L.A Times and watch CNN all I hear is how Israel is aggressive. It’s outrageous that they don’t criticize Hamas.”
Many drivers traveling down Wilshire Blvd showed their support by honking and waving at the protesters.
Pro-Israel demonstrators in LA Image by Shay Perez-Debuk
The L.A. rally was part of a coordinated campaign launched by the Israeli American Council, a pro-Israel nonprofit that engages Israeli-Americans. Rallies took place in at least 19 U.S. cities, including Boston, New York, West Palm Beach and Philadelphia.
“Our communities are always closely connected to Israel,” said IAC co-founder and CEO Shoham Nicolet in a press release. “Especially now, when our brothers and sisters are under brutal attack by terrorist organizations, we need to be there, to speak in support of Israel and its citizens and to stand together side by side against terror,”
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