NEW YORK — A rally set to take place in Manhattan on Thursday evening seeks to counter incessant left-wing protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. It is expected to draw thousands, pro-Israel organizers in the city tell Zenger News.
The Stand With Israel gathering will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. outside the Loews Regency Hotel at Park Ave., near East 61st Street, where Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, are staying during the United Nations General Assembly’s annual general debate.
Hillary Barr, who spearheaded the initiative on behalf of Mothers Against Terrorism, told Zenger News she hopes not just Netanyahu but “all of New York City” will hear their “loud and proud” show of support.
“We’ve done a lot of rallies for Israel; during the [Second] Intifada; when they [Hamas terrorists] kidnapped the three boys in 2014; as well as protests outside the PLO mission,” said Barr. “This week, somebody reached out to us and asked: ‘These haters will harass Netanyahu all week long. Can’t you do something about it?”
The anti-judicial reform protesters, many of whom flew in from Israel, fail to understand the damage they’re inflicting, charged Barr.
“When you’re in Israel and you want to protest, be my guest. But now you’re in New York. There’s the Squad and we have an administration that isn’t favorable to us,” said Barr, while referring to a group of progressive Democratic Congress members known for their anti-Israel stance.
“This morning, I spoke to an Israeli woman named Anat. I told her: I feel for you, whatever your stance is on judicial reform. But you’re not understanding the nuances, and giving the Squad ammunition to say: ‘Why should the U.S. give aid to Israel?'” said Barr.
Thursday’s rally will include music, prayers for the State of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces, as well as speeches to express gratitude for the Jewish state. Well-known attorney and Israel advocate Professor Alan Dershowitz has been confirmed as one of the speakers.
Sponsoring organizations include the Republican Jewish Coalition, Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET), Americans for a Safe Israel and AMCHA-The Coalition for Jewish Concerns. The initiative also enjoys support from former New York state representative Dov Hikind and Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.
The counter-demonstration is being held while anti-government protesters hound the Israeli Prime Minister during his week-long trip to California and New York.
In a video shared by the organizers of the Stand With Israel rally, Jews and Israelis in New York can be seen protesting against Netanyahu’s legal reform agenda alongside activists with PLO flags.
“Whether you’re pro-reform or against the reform, join us and stand united with Israel. They kicked Israel’s ambassador, Gilad Erdan, out of the United Nations; they would never do that to any other ambassador. We need to stand together, whatever your political views are,” said Barr.
Video by Mothers Against Terrorism.Produced in association with Jewish News Syndicate
Edited by Judy J. Rotich and Newsdesk Manager
