Groups Gather to Protest Action on Syria

Peace activists gathered in Huntington Monday night to protest a possible U.S. airstrike on Syria.

Standing at all four corners of the Park Avenue and Main Street intersection, about 50 people waved flags and signs calling for peace while dozens of passing motorists blew their horns in support, gave a peace sign or shouted encouragement to them.

"Our getting involved is like pouring gasoline on a bonfire," said Abby Pariser, noting that the civil war in Syria has been going on for more than two years. "Why are we getting involved in it?"

Others expressed concern about getting further entangled in a complicated political situation. And many said opponents of any war needed to be heard.

"I am hopeful that Obama will listen to the will of the American people," Mary Jane Hodge of Melville said. "He needs to find a way to have Russia work with Syria, to help us get out of this mess."

The participants occasionally chanted slogans and a few sang lines from "Give Peace a Chance." Another called out the phone number for the office of U. S. Rep. Steve Israel, D-Huntington and urged people to call him to demand peace.