Jews, Arabs hold peace rally

Hundreds of Israelis form human chain along Highway 65 with sign reading 'Hand in hand – neighbors for peace'
Hagai Einav

Hundreds of Jews and Arabs from the north and center of Israel gathered near Kfar Kara'a on Highway 65 Saturday in a rally for peace. The only sign present at the demonstration read "Hand in hand – neighbors for peace".

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Guy, a resident of Maccabim who participated in the rally, told Ynet he had learned of the event through a widely distributed email.

"It's an Arab-Jewish initiative intended to boost coexistence between us in Israel, these days especially," he said.

Those present stressed that they were not for or against the military operation in Gaza. They wore white and held hands to create a human chain along the road for one hour, without disrupting traffic. The demonstration was declared a success and organizers said they would hold a similar one next Saturday.

"The political views remain on the sidelines," Guy explained. "We the people want to continue to live side by side in friendship and harmony and not to open up another front inside Israel."

Meanwhile, two pro-Palestinian protests were held in the north on Saturday, one in the Galilee village of Araba and the other in the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights.

In the latter rally, participants waved Palestinian flags in support of the people of Gaza. It was the first such protest by the Druze population of Israel since the military operation was launched two weeks ago.