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Protesters Rally In SF To Denounce Mideast Violence

Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO -- Dozens of protesters carrying banners and Lebanese flags rallied at City Hall on Saturday, condemning Israel's attacks on targets in Lebanon as barbaric and illegal.

"We're trying to raise some awareness with the American public about what's going on," said Mohamad Charafeddine, a Stanford University doctoral student who organized the protest. "It's unacceptable."

About 50 people, mostly members of the Bay Area's Lebanese community, took part in the demonstration.

The protest came as Israel intensified its air assault on Lebanon, striking Hezbollah strongholds and bombing central Beirut for the first time.

The attacks were in response to a raid by Hezbollah militants into Israel that captured two soldiers and killed eight.

Charafeddine, who is from Lebanon, said more actions would be organized if the attacks continue.

"We hope the aggression will stop, but if it continues it's the least we can do," he said. "What's going on is against international law."