1000 rally for Israel peace
DESPITE opposition to proposals for a pro-Israel rally, more than 1000 people came together in Bondi, Sydney, on Monday afternoon to express their support for the Jewish State and voice their hopes for peace.
DESPITE opposition to proposals for a pro-Israel rally, more than 1000 people came together in Bondi, Sydney, on Monday afternoon to express their support for the Jewish State and voice their hopes for peace.
Calls for a public display of solidarity came on the wake of weeks of hostile coverage in the media, following the Gaza flotilla crisis, which saw nine people killed when Israeli commandos were attacked as they boarded the Mavi Marmara.
As well as press reports that were widely perceived as as failing to explain the legitimacy of Israel’s actions or the true intent of some of the so-called “peace activists”, a anti-Israel demonstrations were staged both in Australia and around the globe.
Some community bodies felt that a pro-Israel rally was not the best way to counter the hostile feelings that had been expressed in the media and on the streets.
But former Zionist Federation of Australia president Ron Weiser told The AJN this week that he believed rallies, like the one at Barracluff Park, are certainly beneficial for Jews in the Diaspora and for Israel.
“I live in Sydney so I don’t know all the local communities around Australia but I think everyone should take encouragement from the great response we had at the rally and the media coverage we received,” Weiser said.
“It’s probably too late now, but people should give rallies a consideration quickly in the future because I think it is good for everyone.
“The community wanted it [the rally] to say they stood up for Israel. People in Israel need to know we support them and it’s a method of getting our point across to the public.”
Though the rally was staged by the NSW State ZIonist Council in response to the Gaza flotilla crisis, its focus was primarily on calling for peace in the Middle East and explaining the truth about the situation in Gaza.
“Hamas is denying its own people their rights,” Weiser said. “Gilad Shalit, who has been held captive for nearly four years but denied all access to the Red Cross, is the real humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”
Twenty-five year old Michael Wolfowitz from Coogee, who was among the crowds at the rally said: “I was very impressed with the turnout. People said they were a bit worried about how many people would come but it was amazing to have more than 1000 people. There was singing and dancing and it was a real family atmosphere, which was great.”
Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV) acting president Sam Salcman said the decision not to hold a rally in Melbourne was not taken lightly.
“It was considered by our advocacy group and by the office bearers and they voted by a large majority not to run a rally because we have to realise that times have changed and it was our opinion that we would not meet our goals through a rally,” he said.
“We see a rally as a powerful tool and and if the circumstances change then a rally is always an option.
“The fact that the rally exceeded expectations in Sydney is very admirable, it’s just horses for courses and we have decided not to rally in Melbourne.”
JOSHUA LEVI
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