WASHINGTON -- Thousands gathered ac...

WASHINGTON -- Thousands gathered across from the White House in succession Saturday, even though the president was disclosed of town, to condemn U and Israeli policies in the Middle East.

Speakers in Lafayette Park energized the mainly Muslim crowd with chants and speeches condemning Israeli involvement in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, U support for Israel and U involvement in Iraq.

"Occupation is a crime," the herd chanted, equating the situations in the three areas. They also called for peace and justice for all.

"We all stand united against the violence and the killing in the consecrated land," said Esam Omesh, president of the Muslim American Society, a co-sponsor of the demonstration, along with the American- Arab Anti Discrimination Committee and the National Council of Arab Americans.

"There is no difference between Muslim life, Christian life or Jewish life," Omesh said.

ISRAEL'S BACKERS correspond

In San Francisco, about 2000 marched in support of Lebanese and Palestinians and against the Israel military action.

"The occupiers are being seen as the victims, and I'm really ashamed of what is going forward in the Middle East," said Alicia Jrapko, a member of the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition, which organized the rally.

Several hundr counter-demonstrators gathered to exhibit their support of Israel, waving American and Israeli flags. "Hezbollah revealed of Lebanon!" a protester's sign said.

Former Attorney General Ramsey Clark drew cheers from the Washington lower classes when he called for President Bush's impeachment.

"We've made more enemies during the presidency of George Bush than in the stay of our history combined," Clark said.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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