Specter, at Phila. rally, backs Israel’s efforts in Gaza

Sen. Arlen Specter made a surprise appearance at today's pro-Israel rally in Center City's LOVE Park.

Addressing a noon-time crowd estimated at 2,500 by Philadelphia Police, Specter said Israel's recent incursion into Gaza was justified because the country "has every right under international law to defend itself against rocket fire from Hamas."

Specter's sentiments were echoed by virtually every speaker and drew a vocal reception from the audience, which included more than 500 students from area Jewish day schools and colleges.

Other speakers were Daniel Kutner, Consul General of Israel to the Mid-Atlantic Region; PA. State Sen. Mike Stack and PA. State Reps. Babette Josephs and Josh Shapiro.

Dave Frankel, formerly of 6ABC, served as emcee of the event, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

About 50 protesters waved placards and shouted slogans denouncing Israel's actions. Some 20 uniformed Philadelphia police officers fenced off the perimeter of the park.

Demonstrators held signs that read: "Killing children is not a Jewish value" and "U.S. and Israel are the real terrorists."

Supporters held such signs as: "4,000 rockets from Gaza will not bring peace," and "How would you like rockets thrown at your home?"

One young man in shorts and flip-flops wore a T-shirt that read: "If I were a suicide bomber, you'd be dead now."

Last speaker was J. Whyatt Mondesire, president of the local chapter of the NAACP. "This flag is my flag," he said, referring to the many Israeli flags being waved by the crowd.

"The black community and the Jewish community have been joined together for almost 200 years.... Israel is not alone. It will never be alone. It has friends all over the world."