World Jewish News

People rally in Paris, Rome and Madrid to demonstrate their support for Israel in these difficult times

On Sunday, several thousands people demonstrated in Paris their support for Israel which is facing a wave of daily Palestinian terror attacks.

The rally, held in front of the Israeli embassy, was organized by the Union of French Jewish students (UEJF).

"Israel has a right to exist. When we do not recognize the right of a country to defend itself against attacks with a knife, gun, and cars being rammed into people, it is the same as not recognizing its legitimacy," said Sacha Reingewirtz, the President of UEJF, standing at a podium adorned with a banner "French and Israelis united against terrorism."

"I love Israel and I want to be able to say that without being treated as a criminal occupier, a murderer," he said.

Roger Cukierman, head of CRIF, the umbrella group representing Jewish organisations in France, put the blame for the attacks on Palestinian teachers, parents and leadership for teaching their children hatred of Jews "because children are not born anti-Semites," and noting that "social networks have become a training ground for jihad."

French Jewish philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy said, “This wave of murders must be stopped. This slaughter doesn’t serve peace or the Palestinians. The wave of murders is a death for Israelis and an act of suicide for the Palestinians.”

In Rome and Madrid too rallies in solidarity with Iqrael have been organized. In the Italian capital, the rally, organized by the local Jewish community with the support of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities and other groups, included representatives from both wings of the political spectrum.

“In the media there is constant misinformation about what is happening in Israel,” Israel’s ambassador to Italy, Naor Gilon, deplored. “But we will win because our country is strong and determined.”

In Madrid, demonstrators hold up signs declaring 'Yo estoy con Israel' - I am with Israel.’’

The head of the Madrid Jewish community, David Hatchwell, said the demonstration was in support of Israel, its security forces, and the victims of terrorism.

Demonstrators waved Israeli flags and sang the Israeli national anthem, "HaTikva," with one of the children performing Israeli singer David D’or’s “Tishmor Al Haolam” ("Protect the World").

Participants in the demonstrations said it was especially important to them to pass along a message of support for Israel in these difficult times.

by Joseph Byron

EJP