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Rally for Israel
By Marina Berkovich, JHSSWF President
On Nov. 1, a grassroots group of concerned citizens, SWFL Solidarity with Israel Coalition, held a flag- and sign-waving nonpolitical rally in support of Israel. Wayne Smith, a former Vietnam POW who was held captive for over five years in Hanoi Hilton and knows firsthand the perils of hostile captivity, and Lois Bolin, his wife, generously gave their time to surf all local stores in search of relevant supplies, coming up with excellent ideas and putting together a couple hundred hand-held posters showing hostage’s faces, which were prominently displayed at the rally.
Several other volunteers pitched in, including Richard Hoffman, who brought in 300 shirts he purchased even before he learned of the rally. About 300 Collier and Lee county Christians and Jews, including Chabad rabbis, pastors of various denominations and Collier County Commissioner Burt Saunders stood on three corners of Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads, waving American and Israeli flags, chanting and holding up hostage posters to show overall solidarity with Israel. Several thousand cars drove by, honking in support, sticking thumbs up and waving flags back.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office gave excellent safety support and protection. There were about seven cars with drivers or passengers who drove by shouting “Zionists,” as if it is a curse or sticking their middle fingers up, but our rally was a huge overall success.
Thanks to all who came. Am Yizrael Chai!
