Washington, D.C. witnessed a historic gathering of Pro-Israel advocates who came together to denounce the rising levels of antisemitism amidst the Israel-Hamas war. The event, known as the March for Israel, attracted tens of thousands of participants from across the United States. Demonstrators, draped in American and Israeli flags, converged at the National Mall to show solidarity with the hostages taken during the conflict and to express their condemnation of antisemitism.
Organized by the Jewish Federations of North America, the rally marked the largest pro-Israel gathering in U.S. history. Supporters aimed to bring attention to the alarming number of antisemitic incidents that have occurred since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. According to a recent survey conducted by the Anti-Defamation League, there have been over 830 documented antisemitic incidents in the United States between October 7, 2023, and November 7, 2023, averaging almost 28 incidents per day.
One participant, Nick, expressed his concerns about the current climate, stating, “This is the first time in my life that I honestly don’t really feel safe being Jewish.” Despite these fears, Nick and his father chose to attend the rally, believing it was crucial to stand up for their beliefs and not let fear guide them. Another attendee, Steve from Pennsylvania, highlighted the correlation between anti-Israel sentiments and antisemitism, stating, “Anti-Israel is just another name for antisemitism.”
The rally also provided a platform for demonstrators to share their personal experiences of facing antisemitism. Ramy, who works in Philadelphia, described constant pro-Palestinian protests in the city, emphasizing the need for people to understand the long history of Jewish oppression and the determination to fight back against injustice.
The event featured a mix of somber and jubilant moments as presenters recounted tales of resilience and the horrors of the October 7 attack that claimed the lives of over 1,200 Israelis. The Gaza health ministry, controlled by Hamas, claimed that more than 11,200 Gazans had been killed in the fighting. Debra, a participant from New York, shared her disappointment at seeing missing hostage posters she had put up in her neighborhood being taken down.
Prominent politicians from both sides of the aisle showed their support at the rally. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, and newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of standing strong with the Jewish community despite the rise in antisemitism. Demonstrators expressed gratitude for the backing they received, with one attendee, Carter, stating, “The protests against Israel are a vocal minority. The majority of America stands with these people right here.”
The March for Israel rally served as a powerful display of unity against antisemitism and a reminder that the Jewish community has allies in their fight against hatred and discrimination.
