London: Thousands rally for Israel
About 7,000 people rally for Israel in London day after anti-Israel demonstration
About 7,000 people took part on Sunday in a pro-Israel rally in London. The rally, which was organized by Jewish groups, took off from the Jewish Free School in the north of the capital.
Protesters waved placards reading "Israel, you are in our hearts" and "Yes to peace, no to terror". Israel's Ambassador to Britain Zvi Hefetz said that Israel "was not alone" implicating the Jewish State is enjoying broad support by the international community.
Protesters at pro-Israel rally in London (Photo: Reuters)
The rally attracted not only Jews. Among participants one could see children, youth movement members, and adults.
One of the rally's climaxes was a speech by a council leader of a community in northern Israel which was broadcast live.
Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks said: "Israel is fighting today in Lebanon because six years ago it withdrew from Lebanon.
"Israel is fighting today in Gaza because one year ago it withdrew from Gaza. And Israel discovered the terrible truth spoken by the late Mother Theresa - that no good deed goes unpunished."
On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators marched through London to protest against Israeli attacks in Lebanon and the refusal of the US and British governments to condemn them.
Police said around 7,000 people joined the London protest as it snaked from the banks of the Thames to Hyde Park, first in brilliant sunshine and then in torrential rain.
Many carried red and white Lebanese flags and placards condemning "Israeli crimes in Lebanon."
"We are all Hizbullah. Boycott Israel" read one. "Axis of evil: Bush, Blair, Olmert," read another, referring to the political leaders of the United States, Britain and Israel.
