Thousands Gather in Washington for “March for Israel” in Show of Solidarity

WASHINGTON, Nov 14 (Reuters) – Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Washington on Tuesday for a “March for Israel”, an event aimed at demonstrating solidarity with Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas and condemning the escalating antisemitism surrounding the issue. The event drew an estimated 200,000 attendees who gathered in the bright sunshine on the National Mall, many dressed in Israeli and U.S. flags. Streets were closed around much of downtown amid heightened security, in a demonstration of support for the cause.

Marco Abbou, a 57-year-old personal trainer from Hackensack, New Jersey, expressed his determination, stating, “We are here to show the world that we won’t be exterminated again.”

The conflict, which began with a rampage by Hamas gunmen through southern Israel and a consequential Israeli response, has triggered widespread public outrage. Unfortunately, it has also resulted in rising antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in the United States, including violent assaults and online harassment.

Participants at Tuesday’s demonstration held signs displaying the names and photographs of individuals kidnapped by Hamas, in a plea to “bring them home”. Many in the crowd chanted the same phrase as they advocated for the release of hostages and condemned acts of violence against Israeli citizens.

As they sought to convey their message, numerous public figures took to the stage, including Natan Sharansky, a former Soviet dissident, who passionately called for the crowd to stand united and fight alongside Israel. The event also drew support from U.S. Congress members, including Senator Charles Schumer and other House representatives.

However, the rally also led to opposition, as a group of Orthodox Jews took to the streets to express their anti-Zionist perspective with chants, providing a stark contrast to the main gathering.

Amid rising tensions and international attention, the issue remains at the forefront of global conversation.

(Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Writing by Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Daniel Wallis)

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