Posted on 04/19/2005 6:08:08 AM PDT by IAF ThunderPilot
PARIS - Around 10,000 French Jews expressed their support for the Israeli government on Sunday in Paris during a rally attended by two senior Israeli ministers and several French politicians.
The goal of the rally was to show French Jewish support for the “courageous, brave and determined step” of the Israeli government toward peace, namely the disengagement plan.
French politicians from both sides of the political spectrum took part in the event.
Francois Holland, head of the French socialist party, said he came to support the Israeli government, and especially Shimon Peres, chairman of Israel’s Labor party and deputy prime minister.
“The two parties will need courage to go to the end and make peace,” he stated.
Peres insulted
Peres, who addressed a large audience at the Palais des Expositions, was insulted by young far-right Jewish activists who called him a “traitor” and tried to approach him.
Security guards quickly evacuated the troublemakers from the hall.
“Peace is already beginning with our withdrawal from Gaza. It’s our initiative and we are not going to stop it,” the deputy prime minister said, adding that Israel would be out of Gaza in four months.
Both Peres and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said they were “moved” by the crowd’s warmth.
“Solidarity and unity is exactly what we need in these hard times. Jews must stay united while fighting for peace,” Peres said.
Mofaz said that Jews living in Israel and throughout the world had to take “very important decisions for their future.”
“We have to do everything we can to ensure that the state of Israel will exist until the end of time with a unified Jerusalem as its capital,” he said.
Mofaz spoke after a videotaped message from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was shown to the audience.
In his message, Sharon spoke of being at the “dawn of a new era full of hope,” drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Learn about "aliyah"
Other French politicians in attendance included Nicole Guedj, secretary of state for victims, who is of Jewish Tunisian origin and a close friend of President Jacques Chirac.
Speaking on behalf of the French government, she welcomed the improvement in relations between France and Israel and reiterated the government’s commitment to fight anti-Semitism.
Throughout the day-long rally, participants listened to debates, bought books and food, and were able to learn more about immigration to Israel, tourism, and real estate in the Holy Land.
The rally was jointly organized by the Association for Support of Israel, Israel’s Jewish Agency and the French United Jewish Appeal, under the auspices of the CRIF umbrella group of Jewish organizations.
A special concert was organized at the end of the day featuring several singers including Gloria Gaynor, Boaz Sharabi, Rika Zarai, Shirel and the group Adama.
-Published by arrangement with European Jewish Press , a pan-European news agency based in Belgium
"With the anti-semitism that is in raise in Europe and especially in France, all French Jews should make "aliyah" to Israel. IMO"
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I agree, with heavy heart. Before it is too late.
I agree.
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