SA rally in support of Israel draws thousands
A rally in Johannesburg drew a crowd of well over 10 000 people from across the country in support of Israel's actions in Gaza.
An Israel support rally in Johannesburg on Sunday, organised by the South African Zionist Foundation (SAZF), drew a crowd of well over 10 000 people from across the country. The rally was organised by the SAZF in support of Israel’s fight against what they’ve termed “Hamas terrorism” and to appeal for peace in the region.
Getting access to the event was no mean feat however, with stringent security measures in place and attendees required to show their identity documents and have their photo taken in order to enter.
Chairperson of the SAZF, Avrom Krengel, told the Mail & Guardian that South Africans and South African Jews were “extremely concerned” about what had occurred in Gaza. He expressed his organisation’s full support for Israel, but said he regretted the death of civilians.
Krengel also praised the South African government and encouraged it to continue trying to assist in finding a solution to the conflict. “There needs to be a lasting solution. At the end of the day a two-state solution is the only solution. Everyone who wants peace must just keep trying,” he said.
‘Unprecedented restraint’
Chief rabbi of South Africa Warren Goldstein addressed the crowd, praising Israel for its “restraint” in the fight between the two groups. “A terrorist state goes to war with the only true democracy in the Middle East … and that democracy responds with unprecedented restraint,” he said.
Israel began its air and naval offensive against Gaza on July 8 following what it said was a surge of cross-border rocket salvoes by Hamas and other guerrillas. Israel later also launched ground incursions.
http://mg.co.za/article/2014-08-03-thousands-gather-in-support-of-israel-over-gaza
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