This is a ''peace' rally???

George Orwell would appreciate such a sign - "Israel learned from Hitler and the student has surpassed the master."

A demonstration billed as a protest for peace assumed a distinctly anti-Israeli flavour Sunday as protesters denounced the Jewish state for killing hundreds of Lebanese.

Children carrying two large Lebanese flags and adults who trailed behind accused Prime Minister Stephen Harper of being an accomplice to Israeli murder.

“Israel terrorist, Harper accomplice,” members of the crowd shouted in unison as marchers left a downtown park on their journey through city streets.

Police said more than 15,000 people participated in the rally, making it one of the largest that took place around the world over the weekend.

Demonstrations also took place in Belgium, Britain, South Africa, Iraq and Egypt.

A coalition of 60 political, social and union groups invited Montrealers to join the protest in a massive demonstration for peace and justice in Lebanon.

They called for an immediate ceasefire that would end hostilities.

Among the many participants were members of the city's Lebanese community, which numbers about 200,000.

Many held placards denouncing Mr. Harper's handling of the crisis, particularly his open support of Israel.

“Yo Stevie, they're only dead Arabs,” read one sign hoisted by Asem Samhat, whose home village on the Lebanese border has been turned into rubble by Israeli attacks.

“Our country has the right to live,” the 35-year-old construction worker said, denying Canada's assertion that Hezbollah is a terrorist group.

While many participants claimed they weren't singling out either side in the bloody conflict, some carried placards that linked Israel to Nazi atrocities during the Second World War.

“Israel learned from Hitler and the student has surpassed the master,” read one sign.