10,000 rally for Israel
Backing 'battle for our homes'

By Holly Lake, Ottawa Sun
Monday, April 22, 2002 
http://www.canoe.ca/OttawaNews/os.os-04-22-0006.html

As Canadian flags fluttered above at half-mast for four 
soldiers' lives lost in the war on terrorism, Jewish Canadians 
gathered on Parliament Hill yesterday to support Israel in 
another such war. 

The rally, organized by the Canadian Jewish Congress and Jewish 
Council of Ottawa, drew busloads of people from across Ontario 
and Quebec. 

The RCMP said the turnout was 10,000. Organizers pegged it at 
closer to 25,000. The rally turned Parliament Hill into a sea 
of Israeli and Canadian flags. 

"Hamilton Stands With Israel Now More Than Ever," read one 
placard. 

Another stated, "Bin Laden + Good P.R. = Arafat." 

The sun was bright, the air crisp as Israeli supporters listened 
to a slew of speakers, including MPs, diplomats and Jewish leaders. 

Rabbi Michael Melchior, Israel's deputy foreign minister, noted 
the flags around the hill flying at half mast for Canada's four 
fallen soldiers and offered condolences to the government and 
people of Canada on behalf of Israel. 

AGAINST 'EVIL' 

He said Israel is defending itself in its own war on terrorism. 

"It's a battle for our homes and families, for a basic right to 
live without fear in our own land," Melchior said. "If this evil 
triumphs in our region, it will heed no borders." 

He said the actions of the Israelis and the Palestinians are not 
morally equivalent. 

Palestinians have declared civilization the enemy, he said, adding 
that "No one wants peace or is prepared to sacrifice more than 
Israel." 

Bernie Farber of the Canadian Jewish Congress was heartened by 
the sheer number of people who came to show support for Israel. 
His group alone organized more than 100 busloads out of Toronto 
and chartered a plane. 

"This is probably the largest gathering of Jews in the history 
of Canada," he said. "It just gives Jewish Canadians a real lift." 

Melchior agreed. 

"The echo of this rally is reaching Jerusalem." 

Howard English of the United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto, 
said the show of solidarity was an inspiring moment that showed 
Jewish Canadians will never forsake Israel. 

"Canadians understand that terrorism represents everything that 
we as a country abhor."