Israeli supporters turn out for peaceful Calgary rally
At 18, Stephanie Shimonov is serving as a rocket launcher with Israeli forces on the front lines of the conflict in Gaza.
Her family in Calgary nervously awaits news, knowing that communication will be sparse.
Her mother, Albina Shuman, last heard from her three days ago. She worries, but she’s proud.
“All she said was, ‘You have no idea what people are going through here,’” Shuman said.
“And I have no words to say. It’s a silence between us. All I said was, ‘We all pray for you, our prayers are for you. The whole community’s praying for you.’”
A graduate of Henry Wise Wood High School, Shimonov decided on her own to enlist with the Israeli forces, not knowing she’d be thrust into the conflict’s front lines.
“Living in such a sheltered childhood and being protected and suddenly come out from that protected zone and not trusting, not knowing what’s going to be happening with you, within a minute, a second, that’s major,” her mother said.
Hundreds of Israel supporters gathered at the Calgary Jewish Community Centre in the southwest in support of Israel’s role in the Middle Eastern conflict.
More than 200 packed an auditorium to listen to speakers, while perhaps hundreds more listened in an adjoining room.
The indoor rally was peaceful, with all guests being asked to sign in at the door. Media were asked for identification.
An uninvited guest, who is wellknown to police, was arrested after he tried to gain entry to the community-centre with an Airsoft gun in his backpack. At a security check, he was asked to open the bag and forced to reveal the weapon. Police, who were nearby, were dispatched. Charges are pending.
Last Friday, a pro-Palestinian rally in front of City Hall turned violent when tensions escalated between members of the crowd and some Israel supporters who were demonstrating nearby. No arrests have been made.
At the Jewish community centre, Shuman said it was important to have people at home show support for those, like her daughter, who are putting themselves in harm’s way overseas.
“She said she’s experiencing horrible things.”
Shuman said her daughter tries to call when she can.
“She tries her best. I know she does.”