The demonstration in Frankfurt on the Main numbered about 2.000
participants. It featured Michel Friedman, former Vice-President of the
Central Council of Jews in Germany, as the main speaker. The number at
the rally in Munich, where Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Central
Council, delivered a rousing speech, was estimated at about 1200. The
various rallies had been organized by coalitions between Jewish groups
and non-Jewish supporters from across the political spectrum. Local
B'nai B'rith Lodges played an important role in this.
POLAND
On 10th January a rally in support of Israel in its fight against
terrorism took place in Warsaw at the centrally located Castle Square.
The demonstration was prepared by several Jewish and Christian
organizations. Jewish Community was the main organizer and B’nai B’rith
Polin was one of the participating organizations. From the Christian
part Christian Reformed Church and Pentacostal Church were present at
the meeting. According to our assessment at least 300 people took part
in the rally.
There were many Israeli and Polish flags, banners with anti-Hamas and
anti-terrorism slogans. The President of the Jewish Community, a priest
from the Christian Reformed Church and two rabbis – an orthodox rabbi
and a reform rabbi addressed the gathering. The rally ended with the
Hatikva.
UNITED KINGDOM
London - Some 15 000 men, women and children gathered in Trafalgar
Square to hear speeches from, among others, Ron Prossor, the Israeli
Ambassador, and the Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks. It was an inspiring
event as we heard repeatedly of Israel’s desire for peace and security
and of our enemies’ desire for death and destruction. In Synagogues on
Shabbat we concluded the Book of Genesis with the stirring words “Hazak
Hazak Venit-Hazek” – let us all remember that unity is our greatest
strength, and let us have the determination to continue our work,
support our appeal and strive for a safer world for the Jewish People
and all mankind.
