[Sundaycommunity] FW: A Rally for Palestinians this morning - a hopeful sign

[David Walsh]

From: Mary-Ellen Francoeur <sistermef at gmail.com>

The other day I sent you an email from Rachel Small in which she named three actions for Peace in the Middle East.  One was a Rally organized by Jewish groups in the GTA  called "Jews Say No to Genocide in Gaza".

I joined the Rally at 8 a.m. at the Israeli Consulate  where the Bloor-Yonge intersection was closed to traffic and the Rally moved onto the street.  I want to share the experience with you as it was extremely impressive.  They made it clear that they represented 20 different Jewish groups in the GTA.  People were of all ages with a very significant number of younger persons.  The signs they held spoke to "smashing Apartheid",  End the Occupation,  Stopping the Genocide of Palestinians, Solidarity with Palestinians,  and others, like mine saying  "Ceasefire Now!"  They were very disturbed by the massacre of Palestinians, by the slow trickle of AID trucks getting through when there is such desperate need.

In good Jewish style, there was chanting.  We were given song sheets with peace songs in Hebrew and Yiddish.  I sang along. One was a traditional Hebrew song of peace which I knew from my choir, and it was fun singing it in Hebrew as well as English.  One person seemed to be saying a prayer which included the 12 Commandments.
Many times we shouted out the call:  "Ceasefire Now!!!"

Just amazing being amongst such a powerful, energetic, passionate Rally of Jewish people with a voice in such contrast from the leaders of the world.
Not only were they calling for justice and healing for the Palestinians, but they also spoke and sang of a world of caring, cooperation and nonviolence.

I was with God this morning!

Peace to you and all,
Mary-Ellen
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