If local political activism could be explained in Olympic terms, then the latest round of the"Middle East Match" played out it in San Francisco on Sunday, August 29. About 25 or so members of International A.N.S.W.E.R. and a group calling itself Bay Area Palestine gathered at the busy intersection of Powell and Market Street for their latest protest of all things Israel. And in what has become a regular occurrence, around 30 members of San Francisco Voice for Israel and Protest Warrior were on hand to counter-protest.

Indeed, their tireless efforts on behalf of Israel have become so reliable that the San Francisco pro-Palestinian crowd can’t seem to organize a poetry reading without counter-protesters showing up. This time, they apparently changed the location of the event several times to avoid tipping off the pro-Israel crowd, but to no avail. Despite such online pursuit, the relationship between the two sides--although varying depending on the event at hand--has settled into one of mutual, and often cordial, acceptance.

On the so-called "pro-Palestinian" side (which in reality advocates a pattern of behavior that has been extremely destructive to Israelis and Palestinians alike) were the usual smattering of aging hippies, indoctrinated college students, and Arab-American activists. All waved Palestinian flags and carried signs that called on Israel to "End the Occupation," while simultaneously labeling the country an "Apartheid State.

A large A.N.S.W.E.R. banner exhorted the U.S. government to stop funding Israel (never mind Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, etc), pull out of Iraq, and focus on "jobs" and "healthcare." In their strangely isolationist view of the world, the U.S. should immediately suspend all foreign policy and busy itself with becoming a socialist state. Nearby, a small stand was set up with the accompanying banner, "Long Live the Intifada: From Iraq to Palestine."

Among the counter-protesters, Israeli flags were waved, along with signs such as, "Israel Offered Peace, Arafat Gave Them War" and "End the War, Stop the Jihad." My personal favorite carried the common slogan "Free Palestine" at the top, while below a photo of a bug-eyed Arafat, it continued "From Arafat!" American flags were present as well, and one of the signs, "America and Israel: Allies Against Terror" spoke to a common destiny.

The pro-Israel side definitely had its public relations in order, knowing that the propaganda battle is often more important than the one involving guns and bullets. Informational flyers were handed out, along with glossy pamphlets produced by CAMERA(Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America). Thanks to the National Director of DAFKA, the documentaries of Pierre Rehov--so essential to countering the cinematic tidal wave of misinformation on the Palestinian side--were given away to passersby. Undoubtedly some just wanted a free DVD, while others were intrigued by the titles, "Silent Exodus" and "Holy Land: Christians in Peril."

The event took place against the backdrop of Powell and Market, one of the more bustling intersections in San Francisco. Mingling among the protesters were shoppers, tourists, and the usual homeless characters. The two sides set up camp on the sidewalk right next to the cable car turnaround area, so visiting tourists were treated to a political spectacle no doubt many expected from this left coast city. What they may not have anticipated was so strong a pro-Israel presence and many seemed pleasantly surprised. Throughout the day countless people expressed their support, thanking the counter-protesters for being there or simply saying, "God bless you."

A Jewish woman and her daughter who were passing through seemed puzzled by the lack of mainstream Jewish organizational support. "Who are you here with?" she asked, "the federation?" Since such organizations, perhaps for fear of offending their liberal constituency, haven’t shown much interest in supporting Israel on this level, the task has been taken up by grassroots activists, who embrace a broad variety of political viewpoints.

But the movement is growing despite the lack of such backing, and this particular event can definitely be added to the canon of successful counter-protests racked up by SF Voice for Israel and Protest Warrior in recent years.

The Middle East match continues in the streets of San Francisco and both sides will likely be on hand for the next round.