Protesters march through S.F. against Israeli offensive

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 1/5/9 | Henry K. Lee

[SmithL]

SAN FRANCISCO -- More than 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested today outside the Israeli Consulate and the Federal Building in San Francisco, venting anger over Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

The demonstrators assembled about 8 a.m. at the intersection of Market and Montgomery streets, then protested outside the consulate, at 456 Montgomery, before heading up Market toward the Federal Building on Golden Gate Avenue.

Traffic was stopped at several intersections. Police on foot and on motorcycles monitored protesters but made no arrests.

Many protesters carried Palestinian flags, were draped in checkered Palestinian head scarves and carried anti-Israel signs, such as "End the massacre" and "Gaza = Warsaw Ghetto."

One protester, Yvonne Steffen, said she was marching "because I think what Israel is doing is horrible. It's against humanity, and the government needs to talk with Hamas and make real peace."

About 10 protesters tried to get into the Federal Building in hopes of gaining entry to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's district office, but were turned away by guards.

"Are you denying us entry?" one woman asked.

"Ma'am, you can stay out here and a get a tent, but you are not going to pass this point,"

[Yorlik803]

Well, it is no crime to call em like you see em{yet anyways}