After 3 weeks of listening to people attack the nation Of Israel for its acts of self defense, I just had to make time to come to this event at Seattle's Temple De Hirsch Sinai. It is good to be reminded when I stand alone for Israel every week I truly stand for others who could not be there. Whether they could not make it or simply did not know, I will be their voice.
I got my first "Media" ID Card and packet.
Yea I know, big deal, I'm still going to cherish it.
The packet contained all of the texts of the speeches and letters/releases from local politicians. excerpts of which I intend to include in this post.
So here we go...
Over 1500 people came to show support for Israel, it was standing room only. About 5 came to oppose Israel's defense.
A letter from Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels to Beersheva (Seattle's sister city in Israel) Mayor Rubik Danilovich
"The rocket attacks are another sad reminder that we must all renew our efforts to build a culture of tolerance, respect and cooperation at home and around the world. Let us hope and pray that by working together, we can reduce the causes of violence and create a climate of peace and security not only in our time, but for generations to come."
From Congressman Dave Reichert
"I strongly support Israel's right to defend itself, and am saddened by the innocent loss of life during this conflict. Hamas wrongfully broke a ceasefire agreement with unprovoked violence, and Israel is justified in responding in self-defense. America must stand firmly by Israel to protect freedom, confront terrorism, and seek a peaceful resolution that halts this senseless violence."
Nevet Basker Board Chair StandWithUs
Hamas, the Iran-backed terrorist regime ruling Gaza, has fired more than 6,000 rockets towards Israel since the 2005 withdrawal. These rockets are aimed at homes and school, living room and kindergartens, playgrounds and businesses, supermarkets and gas stations. Over 300 rockets were fired from Gaza in one week. As many as 150 rockets have landed in a single day. Israelis have been killed by these rockets, and many hundreds more were wounded. As you saw, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children are terrorized by the repeated "code Red" alarms, giving them only 15 seconds to find shelter. As a parent, I can only imagine the pain of that mother who has to chose which of her young children to grab as she runs for cover.
A joint statement from Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell
Israel has a fundamental responsibility to protect its people. Hamas must end its attacks on innocent civilians and close the smuggling tunnels that have served as the gateway for arms.
It was a wonderful time, no harsh words, no anger, a call for peace and a resolve to see it through to the end.
It was also a beautiful temple.
Look for more pictures on my flicker page.
I will post a movie soon, I hope.
Update: Here is one movie, a second movie is on the way.
In order of appearance:
Songs led by Asher Hashash
Welcome Message by Rabbi Daniel Weiner
Fifteen Seconds video
Ron Leibsohn Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
Prayer led by Former IDF soldier Itai Rosenberger
Consulate General of Israel Consul Ismail Khaldi
excerpt from Support the People of Israel video
Nevet Basker StandWithUs.org
Update: The second video is Nevet Basker's speech, the best of the day. Here it is in its entirety.
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1 comment:
Thanks for posting this. I was unable to attend because of work. The local TV coverage that I saw emphasized the few protestors more than the pro-Istaeli thousand, and I saw no clip from Nevet Basker's speech, which sums up, simply and succinctly, Israel's position. Much the same in coverage of the trial of the Jewish Federation shooter: his tragic mental problems, rather than the murder of an innocent woman.
Nice to know there are at least 1000 (and 1) sane people in Seattle.
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