Jan 11, 2009 10:51 pm US/Central
Show Of Solidarity For Israel, Protest Of Bombings
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Outside the Sabes Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park stood protestors demanding Israel cease fire.
CBS
For a few hours Sunday afternoon, the conflicting feelings felt in Gaza and Israel could be felt right here in Minnesota.
Inside the Sabes Jewish Community Center in St. Louis Park were people standing in support of Israel's decision to bomb Gaza. Outside the community center stood protesters demanding Israel cease fire.
The crowd of protesters were a coalition of non-Jews and Jews, who together agreed the bombing must stop.
"We wanted the mainstream Jewish community to see that there are many of us here who don't support the Israeli government and its policies," said Lisa Albrecht.
"It's heart-breaking, it's unbelievable because this is a war on the people there, rather than on any specific group," said Ziad Amra.
However, inside the Israeli government was getting full support. Political rivals Norm Coleman and Al Franken were seen in the same room and happened to agree on something.
"Self defense is the first right of statehood. Israel has a right and obligation to stop terrorism," said Coleman.
"We need to send a clear message to the Israeli people, 'In this complex and dangerous world, you do not stand alone,'" said Franken.
Gershon Kedar is a Deputy Consul General from Israel. On Sunday, his message in Minneapolis was that Israel isn't after innocent people, it's after those that threaten its very existence.
"We are fighting the people who have hijacked their own people, who are using their own people as human shields to kill Israelis," said Kedar.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, along with Sen. Amy Klobuchar and former Sen. Mark Dayton, were also among those speaking in support of the Israeli Government. As far as the protesters go, they were mostly peaceful. A lot of security was on hand to make sure it stayed that way.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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