Passers-by in the center of tourist-driven Hollywood were greeted on Jan. 27 by an uncommon scene — ralliers bearing Israeli flags and pro-Zionist signs while singing a rendition of “Am Yisrael Chai.”
About 25 people attended the Sunday afternoon Rally Against Anti-Semitism staged by the Creative Zionist Coalition (CZC), a newly formed local group that aims to organize pro-Israel Jews and non-Jews via creative means, such as holding a very public rally at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.
Orit Arfa, founder of CZC and a Los Angeles native, hopes that visible rallies such as this one will push Israel’s supporters to “go on the offensive” to support the Jewish state.
“We wanted to come out with a strong message of Jewish and Zionist pride, rather than be apologetic about Israel and be on the defensive in terms of rebutting the claims of our enemies,” Arfa said.