Waging Peace, Pages 49-50

Jews for Peace Rally in L.A.

DESPITE a drenching downpour Jan. 17, members and friends of Los Angeles Jews for Peace responded to Jeff Warner’s appeal to observe the first anniversary of Israel’s ending its brutal Operation Cast Lead assault on the unprotected people of Gaza. More than 50 activists held their banners under umbrellas in front of the Westwood Federal Building.

Across Wilshire Boulevard stood an opposing group carrying huge Israeli flags and smaller American flags. Two waiting empty buses on Federal Boulevard indicated the pro-Israel demonstrators were bused in to counteract the anti-war Jewish group.

Meanwhile, on another corner of Wilshire and Federal Boulevards, a third group whose placards indicated they are opposed to Iran’s theocracy held signs in the rain.

—Pat McDonnell Twair