Circus On the Plaza
by Maxine Dovere
Rallies filled Dag Hammarskjold Plaza opposite the United Nations in New York. From Iran 180’s “jailed” effigy of the Iranian President in a vibrant orange jail-suit, to several groups of Iranian opposition protestors whose individual stories reflected the terror of the regime, to the several hundred who joined the “alternative” Durban 3 Ring Circus protest, the protest block was packed.
At the Circus, several hundred, including a large contingent from Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn chanted “Shame on the UN,” and “Change your Ways,” at the mention of Iranian President Ahmadinejad. Replete with masks and multicolor wigs, red noses and jugglers, the “Circus” brought attention to the “dangerous clown of the Durban circus.”
Keynote speaker, Professor Alan Dershowitz, said “What the UN is doing is shameful. And we are here today to make sure that it doesn’t`t get a free pass.” Simon Deng, who escaped from slavery, explained why he especially appreciates freedom and why he stands with Israel.”
Sponsored by StandWithUs, in partnership with AISH Center-NY, Amcha, Americans For a Safe Israel, Bridge Houston, Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy, Eagles Wings, Emunah of America, Fuel for Truth, Genocide Watch, Israel Action Committee of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, The Jewish Federation of Greater Danbury, CT & Putnam County, NY, The New York Region of Hadassah, Northeast Queens Jewish Community Council (NEQJCC), UANI (United Against Nuclear Iran), UJA Federation of Greenwich, Z Street and the Zionist Organization of America.