‘Support for Israel’ rally draws thousands to Brighton Beach boardwalk
The turnout for a pro-Israel rally on the Reigelman Boardwalk on Sunday was so large that the line of demonstrators stretched from Brighton Fifth Street all the way to Ocean Parkway, according to organizers, who said the event was a solid show of solidarity for Israel during a time of heightening tensions.
The rally, which was sponsored by activist Ben Akselrod and Davidzon Radio, featured remarks from several elected officials all pledging their support for Israel in its fight against Hamas in Gaza. Assemblymember William Colton (D-Gravesend-Bensonhurst) and Councilmember Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island-Gravesend-Bensonhurst) were also instrumental in putting together the rally.
Sofa Landver, a member of Israel’s Knesset; Aleksander Valdman, the deputy mayor of Ashdod in Israel; and Larisa Gershtein, the former vice mayor of Jerusalem, also spoke to the large crowd via a satellite feed from Israel.