Jews and other supporters of Israel around the world are coming together Sunday to back the Jewish state. Rallies took place in Germany and Belgium, and rallies were planned in Miami Beach and Los Angeles as well.
The Belgium rally took place as planned despite rain. An estimated 1,000 people came out to demonstrate support for Israel, waving signs saying, “The youth movements all support Israel,” and “Israel wants peace, but has the right to self-defense.” Many of the participants are members of local Zionist youth groups, among them HaBonim Dror, Hashomer Hatzair, and Bnei Akiva.
Police cordoned off the street to keep protesters safe from anti-Israel extremists.
In Germany, 150 people marched down a main street of Hamburg singing Israeli songs. Participants included local Christians and other pro-Israel activists as well as members of the Jewish community. They read a letter in support of Israel, which expressed pain over suffering in the Middle East and called to respect Israel's right to self-defense.
At 2 p.m. Pacific time, pro-Israel demonstrators will meet by the Consulate General of Israel in LA to show their support. Consul General Jacob Dayan explained Sunday that the goal of the event is to “show Israel that she has friends across the globe.”
On Monday of last week a demonstration was held opposite the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles condemning Israel for a clash that occurred when Israeli soldiers diverted boats heading for Gaza in violation of an Israeli naval blockade. The next day several hundred people gathered to protest in favor of the Israeli operation, bearing signs reading, “Free the Palestinians from Hamas,” “Peace activists don't use knives and clubs,” and “Israel must defend itself.” There were demonstrations in New York, Baltimore and other American cities.