Separate rallies support Israel and Arabs

Though thousands of miles away, the bloody Israel-Lebanon conflict was emotional and immediate over the weekend as Seattle-area groups supporting both sides held local rallies.

On Sunday, numerous Jewish organizations banded together for an event that coincided with similar pro-Israel demonstrations the same day in nine cities, including Los Angeles and London.

Held at Mercer Island's Luther Burbank Park, the local pro-Israel rally came after a demonstration Saturday night at Green Lake sponsored by Seattle's Arab American Community Coalition. The central message of the Green Lake event was a call for an end to the violence.

At the Mercer Island event, hundreds of people carried a variety of signs. "Support Israel's and the United States' fight against Islamic extremism," read one. Another said, "Stop Hezbollah Terrorists." On a lighter note was "Fremont Center of the Universe Stands with Israel."

But there was no mistaking the rally's serious intent.

"This event serves one purpose: to come together as a community to show support for Israel," said Robin Boehler, who chairs the board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle.

"For the Jewish people, coming together as a community is an important thing to do, especially in times of trouble."

The crowd roared its support when she told them Israel had a right to defend and protect itself. "Be strong and resolute," Boehler said. "These are Moses' words. We have these words here again."

"Not enough people stand up and voice their support for Israel," said David Friedman, who traveled from Monroe to attend the event. "It's important to show the state of Israel has a right to exist."

Rally organizers were careful to set guidelines for how attendees could express themselves. Officials asked them to not carry "signs or graphics offensive to any racial or ethnic group, including but not limited to Arabs, Islam or Palestinians."

Still, there were signs and individuals expressing differing viewpoints, though it did not appear there was organized opposition to the pro-Israel point of view.

On a grassy hillside removed from the main rally spot, a small group held a large banner that read "No More $$$ for Israel." It was a call for the U.S. to end its military aid, explained Hannah McFarland.

A brief, peaceful confrontation occurred when Mercer Island police officers refused to let several Jewish dissenters join the main gathering, telling them they weren't part of the group that sponsored the event.

"Not all Jews feel the same," said Chana Greenstein, holding a sign that read "I believe Israel Aggression Threatens the Safety of All Jews."

"I'm not looking for confrontation," Greenstein said. "Lebanese children matter. Palestinian children matter. Israeli children matter. I don't value one people over another."

At Saturday night's Arab community rally, the main message was "cease fire, stop the violence, stop killing innocent civilians," said event organizer Rita Zawaideh, a Seattle travel agent who has clients stranded in southern Lebanon.

The crowd also was told that it was time for the U.S. government to get involved in the peace process. Those who attended Sunday's pro-Israel rally also heard a call for U.S. involvement.

Elizabeth Rhodes: 206-464-2306 or erhodes@seattletimes.com;

Nathan Hurst: 206-464-2112 or nhurst@seattletimes.com