By David Bauerlein – Jacksonville.com
Northeast Florida supporters of Israel rallied Sunday in Jacksonville Beach by calling Israel’s military offensive in Gaza a justified act of self-defense.
About 200 people gathered in front of Jacksonville Beach City Hall. A stiff wind whipped dozens of Israeli flags. Signs proclaimed “Israel is Forever” and “Defending Israel Against Terrorism is a Human Right.”
Rabbi Nochum Kurinsky of Chabad at the Beaches said Israel had to counter the rocket attacks by Hamas, the political organization that controls Gaza.
Israelis “want the Palestinians to live in peace, but there comes a point when you have to defend yourself,” he said.
Kurinsky praised President George W. Bush for backing Israel and said he hopes President-elect Barack Obama will take the same position.
The rally was one of many that have been staged around the world by supporters of Israel and the Palestinians during the three-week Israeli offensive, which entered a cease-fire over the weekend. Some passing motorists honked horns in support during the rally. There was no counter-demonstration.
A week ago, rally participants waved Palestinian flags in the Five Points neighborhood of Jacksonville while decrying the Palestinian death toll resulting from Israeli airstrikes.
Rabbi Michael Matuson of Beth El in Ponte Vedra Beach said the Jewish people “do not rejoice in the death of anyone” and long for an end to the battles.
“That day will come,” he said. “We haven’t give up, we haven’t given in – not now, not ever.”
again we have to defend ourselves is that a good reason like fighting for rights which the arabs are fighting for who wins