Jewish, Muslim Groups Rally For End To Israel-Hamas War
LOS ANGELES (AP/CBSLA.com) — Southland Jewish and Muslim groups were set Friday to hold competing rallies to call for an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants.
The organization American Muslims for Palestine said it will hold Friday prayers and a rally outside the Federal Building in Westwood to demonstrate support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reported.
Just a few blocks west down Wilshire Boulevard, activist groups LA Jews for Peace and Friends of Sabeel will hold a rally outside the Israeli Consulate to demand a cease-fire in the 18-day-old conflict.
The event comes less than two weeks after a pro-Israel demonstration at the same location that ended with an altercation between participants and a group of Palestinian supporters who showed up.
The Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard has long been a gathering point for demonstrations and protests on international issues.
Late Friday, Secretary of State John Kerry announced both sides agreed to a 12-hour cease fire.
More than 820 Palestinians (mostly civilians) and 38 Israelis (mostly soldiers) have died during the recent conflict.
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