KC groups protest conflict

[proud2BlibKansan]

By STEVE EVERLY
The Kansas City Star

A large crowd near the Country Club Plaza Sunday chanted, carried signs and listened to speeches calling for American Muslims to stand with Palestinians and Lebanese in the Mideast conflict.

Some demanded an immediate cease-fire and criticized the U.S. for not doing more to stop the conflict.

Many blamed Israel for the deaths of too many civilians and children.

“If they want to fight Hezbollah, then go ahead, but leave the children alone,” said Jaafar Fahda of Kansas City, who said her daughter recently left Lebanon and is now in Paris.

Matt Quinn, past president of Citizens for Justice in the Middle East, said in a speech that a cease-fire is needed. He said the U.S. needs to stop giving Israel a green light to continue the conflict.

The hourlong event was held at the J.C. Nichols Fountain and sponsored by several groups, including the Islamic Society of Greater Kansas City, Citizens for Justice in the Middle East and the KC Iraq Task Force.

Handouts at the protest said that American Muslins had been silent for too long and it was time for them to stand in solidarity with Palestinians, the people of Lebanon and the region.

Cars honked as protestors held signs. Among them was Youssef Elashmawi, who carried a sign that said “450+ Dead Civilians.”

“It’s hard for me to stay home and do nothing,” he said as the chants — including “1-2-3-4, We don’t want Israeli war” — continued.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/15107607.htm

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. This was the neatest rally!

There were at least 600 people there.