The March for Israel will be forgotten

Letters

Editor: It has now been two years since Israel began its fight against terrorism, fighting against the Arab world whose primary goal is to eliminate Jews and radical thinkers. Under the supervision of Yasser Arafat, dozens of terrorist organizations are located on Israeli territory, as well as in Syria and Lebanon, who are supported by Iraq, Iran, Egypt and other Arab nations. Israel, the only democratic nation in the Middle East, is leading the fight for its existence.

All democratic countries, especially the United States, support Israel in its fight for justice. In countries around the world, supporters of Israel are conducting meetings, protests and marches on busy streets in front of government offices and foreign embassies. At a recent rally in support of Israel in Washington, D.C., tens of thousands of supporters from throughout the United States gathered at the Capitol building. The demonstration was televised, heard on radio and written about in newspapers. This was all organized by Jewish and religious organizations of New York, Washington and others.

Vancouver also organized something similar to that, but this is what happened: At Beth Israel Synagogue on April 14, about 250-300 people gathered with signs and banners. The platform for speakers was located in the corner and the people were confined to the space between the parking lot, the synagogue and Oak Street. The speakers on the platform spoke into loudspeakers but nothing could be heard as proper equipment had not been set up. There were no members of the press (aside from the Jewish Bulletin), television representatives or radio personalities, thus very little information was transmitted to the general public. An impression is created that the organizers of the meeting, in the face of Jewish organizations, conducted everything in fear and caution, depriving the supporters of any moral fulfilment.

In an even worse state was the march by the residents of Vancouver, dedicated to "the support of Israel," which took place on May 26. I am emphasizing the residents of Vancouver, as, in addition to Jews, there were many non-Jews present. The people gathered outside Beth Israel. Many came with banners, signs and pins. People of different ages came on the march; many with small children who were in strollers pushed by the parents or grandparents. Disabled people were also present. Everyone came out to show their unity and solidarity with the people of Israel. I, along with many others, thought that the march would take place on a wide, beautiful and crowded Oak Street, with permission from the municipality of Vancouver. I also thought that there would be, leading the people, an individual with a loudspeaker. But nothing like that occurred.

Supporters of the march were prepared to sing songs and dance as they walked. Television and radio reporters, members of the written press and other relaters of information could have reported all this. However, what really happened? Instead of the wide, spacious Oak Street, the people were directed to walk on the sidewalk, only two or three abreast, spread out for a kilometre. It is a pity that a political event such as a march taking place in Vancouver will not be remembered by the marchers or by those people to whom we were showing our love and solidarity. I think this is the fault of leaders of community and religious institutions.

In addition, Vancouver has a large Russian-Jewish community, many of whom have been living here for years; others only a short while. Many Jewish people came to the march and spoke different languages: English, Hebrew, Polish and Yiddish. Russian, however, was not heard. At the march "In support of Israel," Russian Jews simply did not show up.

Abram Biskin
Vancouver

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