Palestinian community holds protest as Israeli flag raised in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Israeli flag flies high in downtown Fresno after city leaders raised it Thursday morning to show support for the Jewish community.

Since Hamas attacked Israel on Saturday, at least 1,200 people have died, and 2900 others have been injured.

"We do stand in solidarity with Israel, and we do stand in solidarity with our Jewish community," Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said.

As local leaders took to the podium at Eaton Plaza in support of Israel, a pro-Palestine group walked through the plaza and shouted in opposition, making it difficult for the speakers to talk.

The pro-Palestine group clashed with Israeli supporters, arguing almost face-to-face.

Fresno police officers served as a barrier between the two groups.

"It's a crime against humanity. It's not a crime against Jews. Of course, they hate us. Of course, they want us dead, but it's a crime against humanity," Israeli supporter Ella said.

Ella is Israeli and lived in Israel for 15 years.

She came to the flag-raising ceremony to show support for her Israeli community and came to tears when she saw the protestors.

The pro-Palestine group was also emotional over the perceived lack of empathy for the innocent civilians in that country, who have also been killed.

"They've been living under siege for 16 years, and nobody is hearing our side of it, and it's like they're raising the Israeli occupation flag, but what about the Palestinian people? They're dying," Palestinian supporter Layla said in tears.

Layla is from Palestine and said she is constantly on pins and needles because she doesn't know if her family members in Gaza are still alive.

Palestinian authorities have reported over 1,400 people have died and over 6,200 have been injured in Gaza since Saturday.

"Many of us in the Jewish community, while we care deeply about our own safety, we also care a great deal about the Palestinian community, and we do not approve of any violence," Rabbi Rick Winer said.

The group Peace Fresno also attended the ceremony to voice their stance on the situation.

"We oppose violence from both sides," Peace Fresno board member Dan Yaseen said. "What Hamas did on Saturday, killing innocent civilians, we are opposed to that because that's violence, and we are opposed to what Israel is doing this minute."

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