Pro-Israel rally in Toronto draws thousands
Last Updated: Thursday, July 27, 2006 | 9:40 AM ET
CBC News
Thousands of people packed a Toronto auditorium Wednesday night for a rally in support of Israel's battle with Lebanese-based Hezbollah militants.
An estimated 8,000 supporters came to the rally, dubbed "Stand with Israel," which included a live two-way satellite feed with residents of a town on the Israel-Lebanon border.
Crowds waved Israeli and Canadian flags and cheered to thank both Canada and Prime Minister Stephen Harper for supporting Israel during the conflict, which started July 12 when Hezbollah militants crossed the border into Israel and raided an army post, killing eight soldiers and capturing two others.
Supporters wave both Israeli and Canadian flags at the rally.
(CBC)
Some of the loudest applause of the night erupted for Harper, who early in the conflict defended the response of Israel, which began daily air strikes in Lebanon as well as sending in troops and erecting a naval blockade.
Harper evoked controversy when he said Israel had the right to defend itself and called its response "measured."
$6 million raised so far for Israel
An estimated 8,000 supporters packed a Toronto auditorium for the "Stand With Israel" event.
(CBC)
One rally volunteer said Toronto's Jewish community raised $6 million in emergency funds for Israel, with an ultimate goal of raising $20 million.
Ya'acov Brosh, Israel's consul general in Toronto, attended the rally and called it an important show of support.
"It was very encouraging to be there yesterday at the rally," Brosh said, adding that supporters came from all backgrounds.
The keynote speaker at the event was retired major-general Lewis MacKenzie, who spent 33 years in the Canadian military and commanded ground troops in a number of dangerous places including the Gaza Strip.
MacKenzie said he participated in the event because of his fondness for the region and his opposition of Hezbollah, which is listed as a terrorist organization in Canada.
He said that, if he was asked, he would also attend a rally for Lebanon.
