An estimated 15,000-30,000 people took part in a special prayer service at the Western Wall yesterday, employing a time-honored Jewish tradition of asking for Heavenly mercies during difficult times for the nation of Israel. Afterwards, several tens of thousands showed up at a giant political rally in downtown Jerusalem, expressing their objections to the government\'s passive policies in the face of constant PA terrorism.
Sample quotes from the rally:
Brig.-Gen. (res.) Effie Eitam told the audience, \"Mr. Sharon, we paraphrase for you the ancient Book of Esther: \'If you are silent in this hour - if you continue to allow the evil Palestinian Authority to run amok in our areas - salvation will come to us from other quarters, and you and your government will fall and be replaced.\'\"
Shilo resident Yael Avraham said, \"No one likes war. But who says we can always do only what we want? When there must be war, we must fight... The terrorism must be defeated quickly, because all over the country, the question is asked and hangs in the air: Who will be the next victim?\"
Likud MK Moshe Arens said: \"Unilateral ceasefire is not the way to wage war. It leads to losses, and not victory. The continued ban on the army\'s entry into Palestinian-controlled areas also does not allow us to win; these restrictions must be abandoned. Restraint is not strength [contrary to what Prime Minister Sharon said a few days ago]. And no one can convince us that that defeat is victory.\"
Sample quotes from the rally:
Brig.-Gen. (res.) Effie Eitam told the audience, \"Mr. Sharon, we paraphrase for you the ancient Book of Esther: \'If you are silent in this hour - if you continue to allow the evil Palestinian Authority to run amok in our areas - salvation will come to us from other quarters, and you and your government will fall and be replaced.\'\"
Shilo resident Yael Avraham said, \"No one likes war. But who says we can always do only what we want? When there must be war, we must fight... The terrorism must be defeated quickly, because all over the country, the question is asked and hangs in the air: Who will be the next victim?\"
Likud MK Moshe Arens said: \"Unilateral ceasefire is not the way to wage war. It leads to losses, and not victory. The continued ban on the army\'s entry into Palestinian-controlled areas also does not allow us to win; these restrictions must be abandoned. Restraint is not strength [contrary to what Prime Minister Sharon said a few days ago]. And no one can convince us that that defeat is victory.\"