Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to flood the National Mall in Washington, DC, on Tuesday in one of the largest pro-Israel protests since the war between Israel and Hamas began five weeks ago.
The “March for Israel,” organized by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, is presented as an opportunity for “Americans from all walks of life” to condemn rising anti-Semitism in across the country and demand that Hamas finally release the hundreds of Israeli hostages it is hiding in Gaza.
“Israel must eliminate the terrorist threat on its border and restore the security of its people. “Americans have rightly supported Israel at this critical moment because they understand that Israel’s fight against Hamas is no different from America’s fight against Al Qaeda and ISIS,” said Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, in a statement.
“As patriotic Americans, we will gather on the National Mall to ensure that the entire world knows that the United States stands with the people of Israel in their time of need, that the United States demands the release of the remaining hostages, and that the United States categorically rejects anti-Semitism. and the hate. in all its forms,” he stated. “This is a time when we must all stand against terrorism and defend what terrorists seek to destroy.”
People gathered for a “Supporting Israel” rally in Washington, DC, on October 13, 2023. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Organizers anticipate 100,000 people will attend the event on the National Mall, according to a permit seen by the Washington Post.
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser said Monday that the district’s police requested assistance from the National Guard, which will support some traffic safety points.
The anticipated colossal demonstration comes just 10 days after an estimated 100,000 pro-Palestinian protesters took over DC and descended on the White House while chanting “Allahu akbar!” and “Fuck Joe Biden!” while accusing the president of genocide and demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
People marching at a pro-Palestinian protest in Washington, DC on November 4, 2023. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images
When and where is the march?
Unlike the pro-Palestinian march that preceded it, the “March for Israel” will not circulate through the streets of the capital and will instead be relegated to the National Mall.
The main gate of the exterior extension will be located on 12th Street NW between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW.
For those unable to get close to the event’s main stage, video screens with live audio streaming will be available outside the security perimeter on panels from 12th Street NW to 14th Street NW.
Doors will open at 10 a.m. and the main program will run from 1 to 3 p.m.
A protest calling on Hamas to release Israeli hostages in front of the Red Cross headquarters in Washington, DC, on November 12, 2023. Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
Partners for Progressive Israel is organizing a “peace bloc” before the rally on the corner of the mall directly across from the National Museum of American History.
“We debated intensely whether to join this demonstration,” the group’s incoming executive director, Maytal Kowalski, said in a statement.
Follow The Post’s live blog for the latest on Hamas’ attack on Israel.
In choosing to organize a “peace bloc,” Kowalski said: “We will reclaim our rightful place as members of the American Jewish community with an equal right – and responsibility – to share our messages of peace, a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and making it clear that there is no military solution to this political and national conflict.”
What will the march consist of?
A pre-march show will begin at 11:30 a.m., organized by students from across the country.
Once it begins, the main event will hear from famous celebrities and relatives of some of the more than 200 Israelis taken hostage by Hamas.
Follow the Post’s coverage of Israel’s war against Hamas
Actress Debra Messing, Broadway actress Tovah Feldshuh and Rochelle Ford, president of Dillard University, are just a few of those expected to make an appearance.
Israeli musicians Omer Adam and Ishay Ribo will also perform.
Will there be street closures?
Several streets surrounding the National Mall will be closed for the event starting Monday night.
The Metropolitan Police Department issued a warning that eight roads will be completely closed to traffic for “First Amendment demonstrations.”
Actress Debra Messing is expected to appear at the DC rally. Nancy Kaszerman/ZUMA Press Wire
Will it be televised?
Plans to livestream the event have not yet been set, but organizers said there is a chance it will be available.
“First and foremost, we encourage in-person participation in this historic event,” the event website states.
What is the purpose of the march?
Organizers said the rally will be a peaceful movement that will show that the United States supports Israel in its attempts to eliminate Hamas.
The event will also express gratitude to the United States for supporting the Jewish state. The Biden administration recently asked Congress to approve $14 billion in emergency military assistance for Israel.
The rally will also focus on denouncing anti-Semitic rhetoric, which has emerged across the country during the ongoing conflict, and calling on Hamas to release its Israeli hostages.
“Hamas’ continued brutal acts of terrorism have no place in a civilized world and directly undermine global efforts to seek a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” said William Daroff, executive director of the Conference of Majority Presidents. American Jewish Organizations, in a statement.
“It is imperative that the United States send a strong message of support to our ally, that we stand in solidarity with the victims, hostages and their families, that we reject extreme anti-Israel rhetoric and sentiment, and that we stand united around shared values of peace. , justice and freedom,” she said.
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