Silent Protesters Show Support for Peace In Gaza

January 21, 2009

Author: Chris LaFortune

Source: OakPark-Leaves.com

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/oakpark/news/1388638,op-protest-012009-s1.article

Disappointed by the country's handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a group of about 65 people stood in silent protest in Oak Park Monday (Jan. 19).

Their backgrounds were varied, with representatives from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Jewish Voice for Peace and the Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine.

But their cause was shared: a just peace in the Israeli region.

"Normally, what people do is put Jews on one side and Muslims on the other," said Ahmed Rehab, an Oak Park resident with the Council for American-Islamic Relations.

But Rehab said he believes as much in prosperity for Israelis as he does for Palestinians.

"We don't value the lives more in our tribe than we do the other tribe," Oak Park resident Rebekah Levin with Jewish Voice for Peace and the Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine.

Though the bombing has ended in the region, Levin said, trouble continues. Medical aid, food and fuel are not getting through to Palestinians in need. Israel has said it will not open borders to the West Bank, she said.

"We're here to say it's not acceptable," Levin said.