Supporters defend Israel’s role in the Gaza-bound flotilla raid at the White House Eleanor Goldberg/MNS
WASHINGTON–About a thousand protestors gathered in Miami this weekend to defend the Israeli Defense Force’s controversial raid of a Gaza-bound flotilla, while a smaller crowd demonstrated outside the White House to echo the support in Washington. The central theme for both groups: The IDF acted in self-defense.
The group ranged in age and faith background. Some danced the traditional hora while sporting Israeli flags on their backs, others waved them in the air. They also celebrated the anniversary of the Six-Day War.
“We’re trying to give the bigger picture,” said Bob Kunst, president of Shalom International, a lead organizer in Sunday’s events. “The Six-Day War represents the unity of Israel. It was the unifying of the Jewish state that had already been there for 5,000 years.”
"I feel this is my Christian duty to speak out. We need to stand with Israel," said Bonnie Weissman, one of about 100 protestors at Sunday's Israel rally held at outside the White House.
But, the undeniable focus was to support the Israeli Defense Force, which has come under fire since the flotilla incident, which resulted in the death of nine Turks and injuring nine Israeli soldiers. Detractors accuse Israel of violating the international law by boarding the six ships. Supporters Sunday said the IDF was authorized to intercept the vessels because they had violated the three-year-blockade trade and acted in self-defense when it was attacked on May 31.
“This flotilla carried weaponry,” said Conrad Holtslag, who joined the group of about 100 protestors outside of the White House accompanied by his wife and children. “The administration of Benjamin Netanyahu would’ve been derelict in its duties had it not interdicted this flotilla.”
Bonnie Weissman held a sign that read, “Another Catholic Stands with Israel.”
“Why didn’t they do what the Israelis offered?” asked Weissman about the flotilla’s reluctance to dock for supplies inspection. “Why didn’t they do that? I don’t understand it.”
The estimated 1,000 supporters in Miami endured the city’s 90-degree heat to protest at the downtown Torch of Friendship. While Shalom International encountered Arab factions groups at past rallies, none showed up to this event.