Violence Erupts During Pro-Israel Rally In Westwood

[King_David]

WESTWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Violence erupted Sunday afternoon during a pro-Israel peace rally in Westwood.

The rally was taking place in front of the Federal Building with more than 2,000 participants.

Witnesses said four men in a truck waved pro-Palestinian flags and started to attack the pro-Israel demonstrators with sticks.

There was also a report of a car being shot at. LAPD West LA division would only confirm a shooting took place.

No one was injured in the shooting, officials said


http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/07/13/violence-erupts-during-pro-israel-rally-in-westwood/

[King_David]

1. Barry Poltorak, an off-duty Los Angeles County deputy sheriff who witnessed the incident

Sunday afternoon told The Jewish Journal that the perpetrators could be charged with “felony assault.”

[King_David]

3. The number 1 reason the Jewish State exists..

[shaayecanaan]

33. yeah, you've got a real Dreyfus affair right there (nt)

[azurnoir]

4. The LA Times paints a more call it 'complete picture'

A pro-Israel demonstration outside a federal building Sunday in Westwood turned physical after protesters ripped a Palestinian flag away from a passing vehicle and began stomping on it, according to media reports.

People in the vehicle got out and tried to retrieve the flag at about 5:45 p.m. and that's when the confrontation turned physical, KNBC-TV Channel 4 reported.

The protest was nearing its conclusion when “a verbal and physical altercation ensued between the occupants of two vehicles leaving the area,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.

A federal officer trying to break up the fight fired a single gunshot, according to the Sheriff’s Department. No one was injured.

Four people were arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, KNBC reported. The weapons were reportedly wooden poles used to hold protest signs.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-israel-palestine-federal-building-20140714-story.html

[shaayecanaan]

5. ah, that's quite different now, isn't it?

No doubt in this age of smartphones we will find out more.

[azurnoir]

7. according to the OP it was 'allegedly' ProIsrael activists hit with sticks the LA Times doesn't

say who, but takeing into account the OP is constructed to make it seem as though the incident was instigated by ProPalestinians I would take with a large grain of salt the other placing of blame

[shaayecanaan]

8. they waved the flag

The hasbarados took it off them and proceeded to stomp on it. That is theft, and probably wilful damage to boot. Then after driving away, the federales fired at the Arabs, fortunately not hitting anyone. The officer that fired has been suspended for his trouble. The hasbarados who provoked the incident probably deserved to be arrested as well.

[azurnoir]

9. well the rally was organized by StandwithUs the suspects have been released on bail

and apparently they too were assaulted by the ProIsraeli activists , seems much drama over what should have been a minor incident

Los Angeles police caught up to the vehicle and arrested the men, identified as Mostadafa Gamaleldin Hafez, Hassan Mustapha Kreidieh, Mohammed Said Elkhatib and Fadi Ali Obeidallah. They were booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. They were expected to be released after posting bail Monday morning.

One person was hit in the arm but no one was hospitalized. Officials estimated the crowd of demonstrators at 1,800 people.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-israel-gaza-protest-federal-agent-20140714-story.html

the update is from electronic intifada

Update, Tuesday, 15 July: Israel supporters assaulted Palestine activist

Palestine solidarity protesters were assaulted for waving a Palestinian flag out of the window of their truck on Sunday at a Los Angeles rally in support of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, according to Reuters.

The flag was torn to the ground and stomped on by the Israel supporters, prompting the Palestine supporters to exit their truck to retrieve it. While kneeling to recover the flag, one Palestine activist was “stomped and kicked” by pro-Israel demonstrators. Yet it was four Palestine activists who “were booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after some of those involved in the melee were seen brandishing wooden poles,” reported Reuters.

The Los Angeles Times clarified that the “wooden poles” were actually wooden posts used to prop up their protest signs.

In other words, protest signs, when “brandished” by Palestine solidarity activists, are deadly weapons.

Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security officer who opened fire on pro-Palestine demonstrators has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/rania-khalek/police-open-fire-palestine-solidarity-activists-los-angeles-rally-israel

[shaayecanaan]

32. those federal officers sure are a cut above aren't they?

After five years of PowerPoint slides and masturbating at his desk, the excitement of seeing real life Arabs was probably too much for him.

[catnhatnh]

10. A Perfect Metaphor...

4 guys in a pickup truck "armed" with sticks get into a confrontation with 2000 militant supporters of Israeli attacks on Gaza. The 4 men are shot at and arrested and charged with a crime. Then the story is posted to support the theory that the whole world is anti-semitic and Israel is being picked on...

[shaayecanaan]

34. the news stories called it a "peace rally"

Wonder how many peace activists were there...

[bemildred]

11. France bans pro-Palestine protests against Israeli action citing security concerns, faces outrage

France's government provoked outrage on Saturday by becoming the first in the world to ban protests against Israeli action in Palestine.

In what is viewed as an outrageous attack on democracy, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said mass demonstrations planned for the weekend should be halted.

Mr Cazeneuve said there was a ‘threat to public order’, while backing the ban. Opponents however, said he was ‘criminalising’ popular support of the Palestinian people.

But Mr Cazeneuve fears there might be a repeat of the fights between 'ultra' Jewish vigilantes and pro-Palestinians which happened after a demonstration last Sunday.
Referring to the main Paris march, Mr Cazeneuve said: ‘I consider that the conditions are not right to guarantee security.’

http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-france-bans-pro-palestine-protests-against-israeli-action-citing-security-concerns-faces-outrage-2003577

[bemildred]

12. Israeli offensive in Gaza sparks Pro-Palestinian rallies in France By REUTERS 07/19/2014 17:37 Twee

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched in French cities on Saturday to condemn violence in Gaza, defying a ban imposed after demonstrators marched on two synagogues in Paris last weekend and clashed with riot police.

French President Francois Hollande said he understood emotional responses to the killing of hundreds of Palestininan civilians in the Gaza Strip in a flare-up of hostilities with Israel but would not allow violence to spill over into France.

http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Israeli-offensive-in-Gaza-sparks-Pro-Palestinian-rallies-in-France-363462

[bemildred]

24. French defy ban on pro-Palestine demos in Paris

Up to 3,000 French protesters have defied a ban on demonstrations in Paris held in solidarity with the people of Gaza as Israel escalates its offensive.

Other authorized protests were held on Saturday in 15 other cities around the country to protest against the onslaught in which at least 339 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 2,390 injured, according to Palestinian health officials.

The Parisians gathered in the Barbes Square in Paris on Saturday afternoon, chanting slogans supporting Gaza and burning the Israeli flag.

The police dispersed the demonstrators using tear gas, preventing them from marching into the city center. At least 14 people were detained during the demonstrations.

http://www.aa.com.tr/en/rss/361488--french-defy-ban-on-pro-palestine-demos-in-paris

[bemildred]

13. Tens of thousands rally in London against Israel’s Gaza op

Tens of thousands protested in London Saturday afternoon against Israel’s military operations in Gaza, denouncing Israel as a terrorist state and castigating British Prime Minister David Cameron for backing Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas rocket fire.

Led by speakers on a podium, protesters holding placards and banners chanted pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel slogans.

At one point, a woman on the podium shouted “from the river to the sea” — a call for the elimination of Israel — and protesters responded by yelling “Palestine will be free.”

The crowd also directed shouts of “Shame on you” at Cameron, who publicly backed Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas rocket fire aimed at the Israeli civilian population.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/tens-of-thousands-rally-in-london-against-israels-gaza-op/

[bemildred]

18. Gaza Conflict: Thousands Gather In London For Protest Against Israeli Military Action (PICTURES)

Thousands of protesters have gathered in London today to call for an end to Israeli military action in Gaza and "justice and freedom" for Palestine.

Up to 15,000 people are thought to have marched through the capital from Downing Street to the Israeli embassy in Kensington.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/07/19/gaza-london-protest-pictures_n_5601766.html

[bemildred]

14. Indian troops fire on anti-Israel protesters in Kashmir, killing teenage boy

SRINAGAR, INDIA—Police say a teenage boy was killed when government forces in Indian-controlled Kashmir fired on protesters rallying against Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

A police officer says troops opened fire Saturday after the protesters clashed with security forces in Khudwani, a village south of Srinagar, the main city in Indian Kashmir. The officer spoke on customary condition of anonymity.

Police didn’t give the boy’s age, but residents said he was 15 or 16.

More protests erupted following the boy’s death and spread to at least two nearby towns where police used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/07/19/indian_troops_fire_on_antiisrael_protesters_in_kashmir_killing_teenage_boy.html

[bemildred]

19. J&K: Protest against Israel's Gaza action turns violent, 1 killed in police firing

Jammu and Kashmir: A youth was killed on Saturday in the police firing in the Qaimoh area of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident took place as the protest against Israel's action against Palestine turned violent.

The incident has created a stir resulting in protests in all the adjoining areas. Police claimed that they had no option but to open firing as the situation was going out of control.

"As the protestors refused to relent, we opened firing," said police.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/jk-protest-against-israels-gaza-action-turns-violent-1-killed-in-police-firing/487008-2.html

[bemildred]

15. Gaza Conflict: Donkey Suicide Bomb Stopped By Israeli Army

A "suspicious" donkey laden with explosives has been revealed as a surprising form of weaponry in Gaza, the Israeli army has said.

The poor donkey was blown up during its oblivious suicide mission after troops said they were forced to open fire on the animal as it approached their position in the Rafah area.

Sending an animal to its death to serve terrorist purposes may seem shocking, but last night certainly wasn’t the first time Palestinian terrorists adopted this despicable tactic, the Israeli Defence Forces said.

The army had apparently received prior intelligence that militants were going to try to use animals to carry out attacks.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/07/19/gaza-conflict-donkey-suicide-bomb_n_5601885.html

[bemildred]

16. Sinn Féin calls for expulsion of Israeli ambassador

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has called on the Government to expel Israeli ambassador Boaz Modai from Ireland in protest at the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Mr Adams' call follows a meeting yesterday between Mr Bodai and Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan, during which Minister Flanagan reiterated the Government’s deep concerns regarding the current situation in Gaza and Israel.

"The decision of the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan to meet the Israeli Ambassador, following the escalation of the Israeli Government's military onslaught against the besieged population of the Gaza Strip, is welcome," Mr Adams said today.

However, he added, the time was "long past" for "merely expressing concern to a Government that is clearly oblivious to the outrage of the international community".

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/sinn-fein-calls-for-expulsion-of-israeli-ambassador-636814.html

[bemildred]

17. Protesters join rally for Gaza

Hundreds of people have gathered in Glasgow to call for an end to Israeli military action in Gaza and "justice and freedom" for Palestine.

Police said about 1,500 took part in the march and rally in the centre of Glasgow.

Another event was being held in Aberdeen.

More than 300 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the wider Israeli operation on 8 July, according to officials in Gaza.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-28383431

[bemildred]

20. Gaza: ANCYL demands Israeli ambassador leave SA

“We call upon ambassador Arthur Lenk to pack his bags and prepare for travel to avoid unnecessary trauma,” provincial convenor Muhammad Khalid Sayed said in a statement.

“We will support our leaders while they take necessary action and recall our ambassador to Israel [Sisa Ngombane] and expel Israeli’s ambassador to South Africa.”

The youth league said it welcomed the ANC’s parliamentary caucus statement that Ngombane be recalled and that Lenk be removed from the country with immediate effect.

Lenk was summoned to the department of international relations this week and told to inform his government about South Africa’s stance on the Israel-Palestine unrest.

http://mg.co.za/article/2014-07-19-ancy-calls-for-israeli-ambassador-to-leave-sa

[bemildred]

21. Thousands attend pro-Palestine rally in New Zealand (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

http://rt.com/news/174044-pro-palestine-new-zealand/

[bemildred]

22. Opinion: Media distortion of Gaza conflict

"Hamas officials in their sights," "War against radical Palestinians," "Hate for Hamas," "Israel's war on Hamas." These and similar headlines are how most of the media in Germany have described the latest military confrontation in the Middle East. But that point of view is problematic - for many reasons.

For one thing, it suggests a balance that doesn't really exist, namely: two warring parties are shooting rockets at each other, and the fact that, in the process, innocent civilians are dying on both sides is regrettable, but unfortunately unavoidable. On top of that, the Israeli army's invasion of the Gaza Strip means the conflict has now escalated to a new level.

Mainly Palestinian civilians suffering

The fact that the defenceless civilian population of Gaza is suffering the most in the relentless violence is generally acknowledged. However, this makes no difference to the unrealistic practice of equating the two warring parties.

To avoid any misunderstanding at this point, it should be clearly emphasized that this is not a question of cynically totting up casualty numbers. Every casualty is one too many! And violence should always be rejected as a means of dealing with conflict. But this equation of the two sides leads many Arabs and Muslims to feel that the life of a Palestinian is somehow worth less to the Western media.

http://www.dw.de/opinion-media-distortion-of-gaza-conflict/a-17795885?maca=en-rss-en-world-4025-rdf

[bemildred]

23. Demonstration in Brussels against Israeli military onslaught in Gaza

BRUSSELS, July 19 (KUNA) -- An estimated 5,000 people staged a march in Brussels Saturday afternoon in protest at the Israeli military operation in Gaza. According to local media reports, although the march was initially peaceful it ended in violence when a small group of youth split away from the main demonstration and started causing trouble in the city centre.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2388450&Language=en

[bemildred]

25. 200 pro-Palestinian activists rally in Indianapolis against Israel

At least 200 protesters gathered in Downtown Indianapolis to support the Palestinian cause and condemn U.S. support of Israel in the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Chanting “free, free Palestine“ and “Israel is an apartheid state,” the crowd met in Monument Circle to protest Senate Resolution 498, a bill passed this week that reaffirms U.S. support for Israel.

Some of the protesters also carried signs that read “Stop U.S. Aid to Israel,” “Gaza under occupation” and “Honk for Peace.”

The protesters plan to march to the office of U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind., who supported the resolution, which calls on Hamas to cease its “unprovoked rocket fire at Israel” and reaffirms the Senate’s support for “Israel’s right to defend its citizens and ensure the survival of the state of Israel.” U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, a Democrat from Indiana, also was a backer of the resolution.

http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2014/07/19/pro-palestinian-activists-rally-indianapolis-israel/12886227/

[azurnoir]

26. Indianapolis, now that's a surprise not as much as had it been Ft Wayne

but still a surprise

[bemildred]

31. Very noisy this time, lots of stories. nt

[bemildred]

27. Hundreds rally, seek end to strikes on Gaza

DENVER (AP) -- Hundreds gathered for a rally at the State Capitol and a march through downtown Denver to call for an end to what they called humanitarian crisis brought on by rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli military action.

Demonstrators waving red, black, white and green Palestinian flags and signs that read "End Collective Punishment" gathered on the Capitol lawn Saturday. Denver police said the group marched peacefully through Denver. There were no incidents and no arrests.

The rally was organized by Nadeen Ibrahim, president of the Muslim Student Association at the University of Colorado, Denver.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_GAZA_RALLY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-07-19-17-00-48

[bemildred]

28. Thousands march in pro-Palestinian protests in Chile

SANTIAGO: About 5,000 demonstrators against Israel's military strikes in Gaza held a protest Saturday in the Chilean capital, home to a sizeable Palestinian community.

The march took demonstrators to the Israeli embassy in Santiago, where some participants glued pictures of children who have died in the attacks to the walls of the building.

The marchers continued on to the embassy of the United States, seen as Israel's close ally.

Protests were also held Saturday in Paris and London. Twelve days of violence between Israeli forces and Hamas have led to more than 340 deaths, most of them Palestinian civilians.

http://www.brecorder.com/world/south-america/184754-thousands-march-in-pro-palestinian-protests-in-chile.html

[bemildred]

29. Canadians rally in Toronto,

TORONTO -- Hundreds of Canadians are protesting Israeli military action in Gaza with demonstrations being held today in Toronto and Montreal.

The protests are on the second day of an Israeli ground offensive that has seen the death toll in Gaza top 330 people.

In Toronto, demonstrators held signs with slogans like "Gaza needs more than our prayers," chanting "free, free Palestine," across the street from the Israeli Consulate.

A protest organizer said the rally aims to protest what she calls "Israel's ongoing aggression."

http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canadians-rally-in-toronto-montreal-to-protest-military-action-in-gaza-1.1921895

[bemildred]

30. Geneva: Protesters slam UN silence on Palestine

GENEVA

Hundreds of protesters have demonstrated in front the UN headquarters in Geneva in protest against Israel's onslaught on the Gaza Strip.

About 500 people from different religions took part in the protest in the Swiss capital on Saturday, as Israeli forces continued their offensive which has killed at least 341 Palestinians and injured at least 2,560, according to Palestinian health officials.

Some protesters carried banners reading: "You do not need to be a Muslim to stand up for Gaza, you just need to be human."

Others held candles ablaze, leaving the hot wax to drip down their hands to signify the fire and bloodshed erupting across Gaza.

http://www.aa.com.tr/en/rss/361525--geneva-protesters-slam-un-silence-on-palestine