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Mainers gather in Portland to show support for Israel and Palestine

Hundreds attended a solidarity vigil for Israel at Portland's Temple Beth El as dozens gathered at a "Free Palestine" rally in Monument Square.

PORTLAND, Maine — Hundreds of people filled Portland's Temple Beth El to mourn the lives lost in Israel since Hamas launched its attack on the country.

Wednesday night's event saw more than 400 come together who understand each other's pain said the temple's Executive Director Kate Shalvoy. 

“It’s very heartwarming,” Shalvoy told NEWS CENTER Maine. "We hope that this conflict comes to a speedy close and that we are praying for those who are being injured in the conflict.”

As the Jewish community came together, a "Free Palestine" rally was underway in Monument Square. It was partly organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. 

“We’re here to show our support for the Palestinian people and to express our disapproval of the way Israel is treating Palestinians,” organizer Zach Campbell said. 

At times, the rally displayed tense moments, which reflected the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine. It was shown on signs activists brought and in shouting matches between dueling protestors. 

“What’s happening right now is horrific,” human rights activist Sally Bowden-Schaible, who spoke at the rally calling for the end of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, said. "They have been losing their land and pushed off their land violently.”

Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins condemned the rally’s organizers, saying in part, “… Terrorists went house to house, indiscriminately murdering everyone from babies to senior citizens in wheelchairs… They should be condemning Hamas, rather than excusing these appalling tactics."

Congressman Jared Golden, D-Maine, also criticized the event calling it, "... Almost laughable were it not so sickening..."

   

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