July 30, 2006 / 5 Av 5766

On Friday, July 28th, 2,500 people participated in a large pro-Israel rally in Berlin. The rally's motto was "Israel has the right to defend itself".

The rally was organized by the Jewish Community in Berlin, Jewish and non-Jewish organizations, the Jewish Agency for Israel, B'nai B'rith, Keren Hayesod, Jewish National Fund, Lubavitch movement, American Jewish Committee and other organizations.

The rally began with opening remarks from Dr. Gideon Yoffe, chairman of the Berlin Jewish Community and Mr. Michel Friedman, former chairman of Keren Hayesod in Germany. The participants marched through the streets of Berlin under heavy police protection as well as additional security personnel, due to concern regarding hostilities from Iranians and Arabs.