Amid prayers and protests, city of Fresno raises flag in show of solidarity with Israel
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer joined members of the city council in flag-raising ceremony at Eaton Plaza on Thursday as a show of solidarity with the people of Israel after last weekend’s attacks.
“Today is an opportunity for us to come together at Unity Park in a spirit of unity, to show our support for the Jewish community as well as the state of Israel,” Dyer said at the ceremony.
“And it’s also our opportunity to denounce what occurred this weekend, the terrorist attacks had occurred, and to be able to denounce acts of terrorism — that is, Hamas and Hezbollah.”
Militants with the group Hamas attacked a section of Gaza Strip on Saturday. More than 1,200 Israelis died in the attack, thousands were wounded and at least 100 were taken hostages, including U.S. citizens such as Adrienne Neta, a Fresno native living in Israel.
She was taken from her home, her son said Tuesday during a news conference in Israel.
Following the attack, Israel declared war on Hamas and blockaded a 141-square-mile area in the country, cutting off power and launching missing strikes into the territory, while preventing medical and food aid.
It is the latest in a decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestinians in the country.
Prayers, protests
On Wednesday, demonstrators gathered outside of Cornerstone Church in downtown Fresno to show support for Palestinians living in Israel under what one person called an occupation, according to Your Central Valley.
“If America starts to help and hear our side more, and start looking at us as human beings and not as evil sub-humans, that’s what I hope for,” the woman told the news station.
“That’s a start, at least.”
Inside the church, Cornerstone was holding a Stand with Israel Prayer Rally.
During the flag raising at Eaton Plaza on Thursday, a group could be heard asking “What about the Palestinians?”
A pro-Palestinian demonstration is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday at Blackstone and Nees avenues.
Said Dyer: “We are not here today to alienate any part of our community. However, if people in this community or anywhere else support the terrorist activity that occurred on Saturday in Israel, then I would question their allegiance to the United States of America.”
Police make arrest in possible hate crimes
The conflict has spurred a rash of attacks on Jewish communities and at least two potential hate crimes were reported to Fresno police eaelier this week.
In one, a rock was thrown through the window of Temple Beth Israel in north Fresno. In the other, glass doors were broken and a threatening note left at Noah’s Ark Restaurant & Bakery.
On Tuesday, police arrested a 30-year-old man suspected of the crimes.
“Such hate crimes,” Dyer said, “will not be tolerated.”
