Rally for Israel to be held in Ramapo (Rockland County NY) . . .

DISCLAIMER: Posted for informational purposes only; I won't be attending . . .

By Suzan Clarke
The Journal News
July 21, 2006

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060721/NEWS03/607210352/1019

RAMAPO — The Jewish Federation of Rockland County plans a rally in Ramapo on Sunday in support of Israel.

Organizers are urging people from across Rockland to demonstrate solidarity with Israel, whose soldiers are currently in combat with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Shimon Pepper, the federation's executive director, said the purpose of the rally — to be held at the JCC-Y in Ramapo — was twofold.

"No. 1, in various places throughout the United States and Canada, there is a desire to show solidarity with the people of Israel and with the government, and so we, as part of sort of a national effort, wanted to in our community stand together with Israel," he said yesterday. "The second is that people want to do something positive. They want to reflect and they want to be personally supportive and this affords them the opportunity to come together as a Jewish community, and as a community to stand together in support of Israel."

- more . . .

http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060721/NEWS03/607210352/1019

Thousands protest in Sydney

<snip>

"A Sydney protest against Israeli attacks on Lebanon saw between 10,000 and 20,000 people marching through the city.

Demonstrators began gathering at Town Hall in the Sydney CBD about noon (AEST) today, later making their way down George Street.

Police said more than 10,000 people turned up while organisers put the number at closer to 20,000.

Protesters carrying coffins and chanting "no war" marched to Martin Place.

Toddlers and young children wearing t-shirts with slogans like, `Stop killing the babies' were escorted by parents carrying Australian and Lebanese flags.

A Lebanese-Australian woman who gave her name only as Diana, cried as she spoke of her family in Lebanon.

"They are murdering children and burying them under rubble," she said.

"Something has to be done about this."

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/thousands-protest-in-sydney/2006/07/22/1153166624331.html

So what's happening in Lebanon doesn't only affect Australians with family members in Lebanon, but touches just about everyone. And what makes such a large turnout even more notable is that only last December this was the city where text messages urging people to 'bash the Lebs' were making the rounds. Times change....

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