Marchers gather to support Israel at S.F. rally Much of Market Street gridlocked as Jewish groups condemn Hamas

Glenn Massarano (center right) hugs a participant during a march to support Israel at San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza. Glenn Massarano (center right) hugs a participant during a march to support Israel at San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza. Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 19 Caption Close Marchers gather to support Israel at S.F. rally 1 / 19 Back to Gallery

Hundreds of demonstrators from around the Bay Area marched through San Francisco on Sunday showing their unwavering support for Israel amid an ongoing war in Gaza.

The rally started at noon at Civic Center Plaza, where demonstrators from about 40 Bay Area Jewish organizations gathered with Israeli flags and signs showing loyalty to Israel and unanimous disdain for Hamas militants.

The event was the first major pro-Israel demonstration in front of City Hall, the site of several pro-Palestinian rallies in recent weeks, since violence erupted in Gaza almost one month ago.

"This is really inspiring to see so many people here," said Andi Frenkle, 45, who came to the march from Palo Alto. "I feel very lucky. I couldn't miss this day."

The march took place as Israel pulled back most of its ground troops from the Gaza Strip after almost a month of fighting with Hamas, leaving more than 1,800 Palestinians and more than 60 Israelis dead.

On Sunday, 10 people were killed in an apparent Israeli air strike near a U.N. shelter. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the attack "a moral outrage and a criminal act." The United States added it was "appalled" by the "disgraceful" attack.

Brothers Elliot, Ari and Jacob Fine all served terms in the Israeli military between 2005 and 2010 and defended the recent attacks at Sunday's rally.

"Within Judaism, there is nothing more important than human life - it doesn't matter whose life," Elliot, 27, said.

"But it's important to note that Israel needs to defend itself. Hamas is using all its money and resources on weapons and tunnels," Ari, 25, added.

The Fines' sentiments were echoed by almost every supporter at the rally, who stressed Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas' rocket attacks.

Three Stanford University students organized the event by rallying many prominent Bay Area Jewish organizations, many of which bused in marchers from all around the region.

"We always want peace and want a cease-fire, but we need a partner for that," said student Guy Amdur. "We think Hamas is a problem for the Israeli and the Palestinian people."

Police closed westbound lanes of Market Street from Tenth Street to the Embarcadero as demonstrators made their way though the city, many singing the national anthem of Israel. Cars trying to cross Market were stuck in standstill traffic as the procession headed toward Justin Herman Plaza.

Alex Neduva, 53, carried a sign that read "Israel wants peace. No to terrorism" as he and a friend marched. He is an Israeli citizen who lives in San Jose and has a son in the Israeli army.

"People don't understand that Israel is fighting the war for its own survival," Neduva said. "I am very disturbed to see the pictures in the world media. Israel is risking the life of its own soldiers to minimize damage when possible."

The rally went off with little trouble. Only a few verbal blows were exchanged between Israel supporters and a small group of Palestinian supporters gathered on the outskirts of Civic Center Plaza. At one point, Pete Soskin offered the pro-Palestinian group some garlic hummus and pita chips.

"I'm supporting the idea that Israel and Palestine will be able to live in the region peacefully," he said.