Several hundred show support for Israel

Montreal's Jewish community and its supporters rally outside the General Consulate of Israel in Westmount Monday to show solidarity with Israel in light of condemnations from the internationial community of the recent violent blockade incident.

Photograph by: John Kenney, THE GAZETTE

MONTREAL - Several hundred people were present on the plaza of Westmount Square at lunch Monday to show solidarity with Israel in light of recent condemnations of the recent violent blockade incident.

On May 31, nine activists on board a boat that claimed to be bringing aid to Gaza were killed when Israeli commandos stormed the vessel.

Video tapes have shown a fierce battle on board. Israel maintains the activists on board attacked the soldiers with knives and metal bars.

Many countries have made public statements that Israel used excessive force in the raid.

Monday's gathering of Montrealers standing behind the government was held in front of the General Consulate of Israel and attracted supporters of all ages, from students of the Hebrew Academy all the way to seniors with canes.

With flags flapping in a stiff breeze, the crowd listened to speakers like Mount Royal MP Irwin Cotler, who reminded the assembled that the cause of Israel "is not a just a Jewish cause but a just cause."

Wearing her Star of David flag like a cape, Goreth Xethalis was adamant that the flotilla incident was a clear case of "Israel defending itself."

"If this happened in Canada and Canada's waters were invaded ... well there's a double standard," said Xethalis.

Trevor Reef came to the rally to show his "solid support" for Israel.

"Israel wants peace and is always at the forefront of human rights and there is a double standard in the world (about Israel) that doesn't go away," Reef said.

"We are pacifists but we will continue to defend ourselves, because if we don't stand for ourselves, no one else will do it," Xethalis said.

"The main message here today is that people stand with Israel and those who seek to pursue peace," Cotler said shortly after the rally broke up.

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