Staff Reports
St. Louis recently held two different rallies with very different messages. The #STLForIsrael rally took place outside the St. Louis County police headquarters and had a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The event was attended by 200 to 250 people, including local political candidates and several speakers, such as a rabbi and pastors. The sentiments expressed at the rally were focused on supporting Israel and praying for the safety of Israelis and innocent civilians in Gaza. There were no calls for violence or destruction, just a desire for peace and the defeat of Hamas, the terrorist group responsible for recent attacks.
St. Louis: A Tale of Two Rallieshttps://t.co/6YDIv1Zn6B
— RedState (@RedState) November 8, 2023
The speakers at the rally emphasized the importance of Israel’s right to exist and its historical and biblical ties to the land. They also spoke out against antisemitism and called for elected officials to publicly rebuke Congresswoman Cori Bush for her antisemitic stance against Israel. The rally ended with participants standing silently in the street for 40 minutes, wearing pieces of tape with positive words written on them over their mouths. The event was a moving experience that focused on support and solidarity.
Amazing showing at #StLouis Stands with Israel.
Missouri Political Dignitaries included @AJSchwadron @willscharf @GeorgeHruza #stl #MoLeg pic.twitter.com/hD6n0H698u
— A.J. Moll𝕏 (@moll_aj) November 5, 2023
Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed a trend in rallies.
The Pro Hamas crowd shouts about death, theft, and violence.
The Pro Israel crowd sings songs about peace and justice, calls for the release of innocent hostages.
— A.J. Moll𝕏 (@moll_aj) November 5, 2023
Anti-Israel protesters physically attack Jewish people for carrying Israeli flags in St Louis, USA.
🇺🇸🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/R6XNz6wiUP
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 6, 2023
Another video surfaces of protesters ripping Israel flag out of the hands of a Jewish woman in St. Louis Missouri @Eyalbenabraham #stlouis @StopAntisemites @KMOV @visegrad24 #stl
https://t.co/hluhpQ982u— A.J. Moll𝕏 (@moll_aj) November 6, 2023
Meanwhile, just a few miles away, an anti-Israel protest was taking place with a different atmosphere. The details of that protest are not provided in the article, but the implication is that it had a more negative and hostile tone. The article suggests that the message of support and solidarity from the #STLForIsrael rally resonates more than the message of the anti-Israel protest.
It is heartening to see a rally focused on supporting Israel and promoting peace and unity. The positive atmosphere and emphasis on Israel’s right to exist are important messages, especially in light of recent events. It is concerning to think about the alternative rally that was taking place nearby, as protests against Israel often devolve into anti-Semitic and hateful rhetoric. The #STLForIsrael rally sets a commendable example of how to peacefully express support for a cause while promoting understanding and unity.
