Posted on 07/22/2006 10:35:25 AM PDT by Enterprise
Demonstrators waved signs and flags to express their views on the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on Friday afternoon at Shaw and Blackstone avenues in Fresno.
About 50 people gathered at 5:30 p.m. at one corner of the intersection to support Israel. About 15 people were at the other side of the street to protest Israel's military campaign in Lebanon.
(Excerpt) Read more at fresnobee.com ...
So glad it worked for you! ;*)
Ron Sawl is right again--good call on a great guy. I have many photos (see the link at end for some), but I don't know how to post them. So much for Israeli ingenuity. Here's my take on the evening:
It was a good day to love Israel in Fresno. On a 108-degree Friday afternoon, the southwest corner of Shaw and Blackstone was colored red, white and blue in a display of American and Israeli flags side by side. But it wasn't just flags standing together. In an unprecedented show of unity, some of the most politically, socially and religiously diverse groups in Fresno gathered to support the most reliable ally of the United States: the nation of Israel.
Ice chests and gallons of water had little impact on the rising temperatures of the crowd who stood on the sweltering concrete for over two hours. But the sidewalk remained standing-room only for the entire demonstration, punctuated by lively conversations, warm greetings and introductions, and a few Hebrew songs.
The attendees spanned an age and demographic range which rivalled the Benetton ads of the 1980s. Held high were Israeli and American flags, banners condemning terrorism and supporting Israel's right to self-defense, placards remembering the soldiers kidnapped and still under enemy control, posters supporting the U.S. troops fighting terrorism on all fronts, hand-lettered cardboard decrying appeasement...the expressions were varied, the message was the same: WE STAND AGAINST TERROR. WE STAND WITH ISRAEL.
The following is a partial list of the groups represented at Fresno's "Stand With Israel" rally on 7/21/06:
1. Members of local houses of worship: Temple Beth Israel (including its Rabbi, President and two past Presidents), Congregation Beth Jacob, Chabad of Fresno (Orthodox), Beth David Messianic Synagogue, faithful from local churches including Armenian Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Church of Christ and numerous Evangelical denominations
2. Members of the Fresno Chapter, Republican National Hispanic Assembly
3. President and Board members, Jewish Federation of Central California
4. President and a dozen members, Republican Jewish Coalition of Central California
5. The founders of Free Republic, Jim and Sheila Robinson, and masses of its supporters. Fresno-based www.FreeRepublic.com is one of the most visited conservative blogs on the Internet, responsible for breaking the "Rather-gate" story.
6. Central Committee members, Fresno County Republican Party
7. Campaigners for one of the candidates in the Fresno County Sheriff's race
8. Veterans of every branch of the U.S. Armed Services, including a retired Marine Colonel
9. Passersby who had not heard about the rally who stopped and asked to join us, including a lady on her way to the Range who felt that supporting Israel was a good reason to delay her practice
10. The owner of the Range (delighted despite the delay of the lady in #9)
11. A Fresno City Councilmember
It was not such a good day to support Hezbollah, however. A somewhat anemic-looking small group stood furtively on the opposite corner holding signs which ranged from well-meaning but nonspecific ("No War") to downright confusing. One such sentiment was found on the sign of a gentleman on whose sign an unfortunate printing error made only two words clearly visible: "STOP JEW." Reading more closely, the sign equates Israel's national security to a "HOLOCAUST AGAINST ARABS."
The expressions seen on the faces of the about 10 anti-Israel protestors were more dejected than resolute. Perhaps it was the heat rather than lack of commitment to the cause, but they wrapped up their effort long before the pro-Israel corner started folding flags and collecting banners. They might have been a bit discouraged by the fact that for every approving beep they received from a passing motorist, we were treated to 20 loud honking horns, endless "thumbs up" and enthusiastic waves of support for the U.S. and her ally, Israel.
I was pleasantly surprised that in over two hours, I was given another type of finger salute by only one passing car. However, a brief but meaningful exchange in Arabic with him seemed to quell his enthusiasm for random rudeness.
The support came from SUVs and pickup trucks, foreign sports cars and Detroit-made sedans, commercial vehicles and economy cars, from motorcycles and even the occasional bicyclist. Beat-up antique or late model luxury, they all wanted their views known; Fresno stood against terrorism. Fresno stood with Israel.
On a personal note, this rally had a special meaning for me. Hours before our demonstration was to begin, I learned that the street in Haifa on which my mother grew up, the street from which my earliest memories were formed, had been hit by a Katyushah rocket. My family was not among those injured, but our neighbors were not so lucky. As Shabbat (the Sabbath) fell on the beautiful city of my childhood visits to Israel, grief mixed with gratitude. Grief at the loss, at the devastation, at the situation Israel had been forced into--either defend herself fiercely or let defeat cost her citizens their very survival. After five wars in my family's lifetime, we ask for peace with every prayer.
Yet gratitude is also what I feel and what is felt by so many of my family members after asking me (some from their temporary homes in safe rooms and bomb shelters) about this rally a world away in Fresno. They want to know if people came, if American Jews care about them enough to say it loudly, if the righteous Christians will support them publicly despite vicious opposition from those who would condemn Israel even as she bleeds. They want to know where we stand.
Today, as this Shabbat ends and I think of yesterday's gathering on a hot afternoon in the busiest intersection in my city, I consider my response. Today, I am able to give an answer filled with pride and admiration for a group of people who didn't have to show up, yet chose one corner of Fresno to say in a clear and unified voice:
FRESNO STANDS WITH ISRAEL.
Shalom,
Sabra 4 Bush
Additional Rally Photos (D. Murphy):
http://warsurplus.net/July%20Pro-Israel%20Rally.htm
Thank you, Sabra.
Your post is beautiful! It is wonderful that you added the other attendees to this thread. It is great reading the Jewish community take on the rally. We found it thrilling to outnumber Peace Fresno!
I will check your pictures later. I'm still trying to get more posted.
I saw you in the background in one of those pictures. Thanks to all you guys for standing in all that heat. That Diver Dave is one cute puppy isn't he? I really am crashing now. Really I am.
I agree that is one great graphic.
Yes ... you can see me in the background of the second picture and PrissyMissy is in the background of the first picture. She is holding FriendAnn's hand.
Sabra..I am so glad you could give a good report to your loved ones..Prayers for their safety.
Sometimes I get tears in my eyes just from gratitude for "knowing "on this forum so many fine Americans.This is one of those times.. I pray for Israel. I pray for America.
May God be with all those who are fighting against terrorists and with the innocent civilians targeted by these terrorists.
Your pictures are great.
Are you able to send a link of this page to your relatives in Israel? It would be wonderful if they could read some of these posts.
Great Job! Thank you!
Please tell your family AMERICA STANDS WITH ISRAEL!
Thank you for your moving account of the day, along with your personal commentary. I thoroughly enjoyed everyone of your photos.
Thanks. Feel free to use it...I stole it from somewhere. ;*)
Thanks, I will.
Add me, too.
Thanks!
What an absolutely beautiful report of last night's rally.
Your photos bring a renewed smile of proudly standing with you on the corner. It was an evening I will remember always.
When you next correspond with your family, tell them that this Evangelical Christian was proud and honored to stand for Israel and I'll do it again when the call goes out. For everyone of us that stood on the corner for Israel, we represented thousands upon thousands of Americans.
I'm borrowing one of your statements for a tag line.
I thank all that attended this very successful FReep.
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