Jews, Christians hold rally, march Pro-Israel supporters stage S.F. march David Parrish Chronicle Staff Writer June 24, 2002 A peaceful midday rally and march Sunday through downtown San Francisco served as a reminder to tourists, residents and other onlookers that serious issues such as terrorism and the Middle East conflict do not go away even when the city is enjoying one of its postcard-perfect days. An estimated 3,000 Israeli supporters gathered under breezy, cobalt blue skies at 11 a.m. at the Civic Center Plaza, waving placards and shouting their support for Israel while speakers denounced terrorism and suicide bombers. Around noon they started their hourlong march down Market Street to Justin Herman Plaza, near the Ferry Building. "We came to support Israel," said Riva Gavartin, an immigrant from Latvia who now lives in Palo Alto. "Israel has the right to exist." The rally and march was organized by Grassroots for Israel and was billed as an anti-terrorism demonstration from a cross section of the Bay Area residents, both Jews and Christians. "We want to send a loud and clear message that all Americans are united against terrorism, and that the U.S. needs to support Israel because they are on the front line in the battle against terrorism," said Jeff Halbrecht, co- founder of Grassroots for Israel. With dozens of Israeli and American flags being waved, the march strung out over nearly five city blocks and was under constant police escort. The mostly middle-aged marchers engaged in anti-terrorism and pro-Israeli chants, and steered clear of direct attacks on Palestinians. While there were a smattering of isolated hecklers along the route, mainly aroused street people, the only organized counter demonstration was from a group of about 40 who bore signs saying, "Jews for a just peace." Police kept the counter protesters away from the marchers. "We are against terrorism, but we also think that what Israel is doing is terrorism," said Marisa Handler, a leader with the counter demonstrators and a former freelance writer for The Chronicle. ''We don't think violence is the route to peace." Several of the marchers said they had given up part of their weekend because they felt helpless in the wake of a string of suicide bombings. "We don't feel we can do anything," said Jessica Goldman, a San Francisco resident. "It's kind of difficult to be an American Jew." For Gail Steele, a member of the Alameda County's Board of Supervisors, and her daughter, this was their first rally and march. "I feel in Alameda County you can't speak out, there is an underlining feeling that Israel is wrong," Steele said. "I feel the prejudice -- I haven't felt that my whole life." Steele said she like others marchers felt it was time to take a stand, and show her support for Israel. E-mail David Parrish at dparrish@sfchronicle.com.