Tens of thousands of Israel supporters gathered in Washington DC on Tuesday to show support for its war against Hamas, declare their opposition to a ceasefire, and denounce a global increase in antisemitism. A mass of demonstrators bearing placards and draped in Israeli flags came together in the capital’s National Mall amid tight security and under clear blue skies; this event was partially intended as a counterpoint to recent US rallies calling for an immediate halt to Israel’s military offensive.
Speakers, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog, former Soviet dissident and Jewish Agency executive chair Natan Sharnasky, and leading US congressional figures such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, were warmly received as they vowed that Israel and its close ties with the United States would endure last month’s attacks by Hamas.
Herzog, speaking via video link from Jerusalem, described the rise in antisemitism as an “embarrassment to all civilised people and nations.” The loudest cheers were for Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who called the demands for a ceasefire “outrageous.”
Although many progressive groups in the US have called for a ceasefire and demand an end to Israel’s military operation in Gaza, those present at the rally expressed unease about the rising death toll but firmly pinned the blame on Hamas’s shoulders.
One demonstrator, Judah Klausner, stated that a ceasefire with Hamas is out of the question due to threats made by senior Hamas officials. Another participant, Paul Stewart, did not support a ceasefire and said that Israel had given Palestinians options to leave, but Hamas had influenced them to stay.
The rally attracted supporters across the ideological spectrum of pro-Israel US Jewish groups, including some progressive organizations that have heavily criticized Israel’s previous far-right government. Despite the unity at the event, there were criticisms over the decision to let controversial pastor John Hagee speak.
The massive crowd, estimated at around 100,000, included Christian Zionists who showed their support for Israel. Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries firmly stated that Israel has an absolute right to defend itself against Hamas terror and urged for support in Israel’s efforts to defeat Hamas.
The gathering showed an incredible show of support for Israel and opposition to a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The crowd, with its diverse range of supporters, came together to lend solidarity to Israel during these tumultuous times.
