Tens of hundreds of individuals have joined a rally in Washington, DC, to voice solidarity with Israel in its battle in opposition to Hamas and condemn anti-Semitism.
Tuesday’s “March for Israel” befell on the Nationwide Mall underneath heavy safety, with senior members of Congress addressing a crowd of individuals waving the flags of the US and Israel.
Many raised placards calling on the Palestinian armed group Hamas to free the at the very least 200 folks taken captive throughout their shock October 7 assault, which Israeli authorities say killed greater than 1,200 folks.
Israel’s response – weeks of relentless assaults on the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, which officers there say have killed greater than 11,300 folks – has uncovered deep divisions within the US, Israel’s most staunch supporter.
On the prime of the mall, the highest Democrats in Congress – Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer and Home Democratic chief Hakeem Jefferies – stood collectively on stage with Republicans Mike Johnson, the Home of Representatives speaker, and Senator Joni Ernst from the central state of Iowa. They joined palms as Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official within the US, chanted, “We stand with Israel.”
![Speaker of the House Mike Johnson of La., left, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of N.Y., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, right, join hands at the March for Israel. There are banners behind them and people in front](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AP23318715645058-1700013121.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C513)
However beneath the projection of unity, Democrats and the US itself are sharply divided over Israel’s course and its remedy of Palestinians.
The nation has seen weeks of largely pro-Palestinian demonstrations amid rising requires a ceasefire and President Joe Biden has toned down among the full-throated solidarity with the Israelis from the battle’s early weeks to induce extra restraint.
Hamas a goal
A succession of audio system took the stage to sentence the Hamas assault and what they stated was the virulent unfold of anti-Semitism internationally.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the group through video from the Western Wall in Jerusalem. After “the largest massacre since the Holocaust,” he stated, “allow us to name out collectively, by no means once more.
“No one will break us,” he pledged. “We will rise again … There is no greater and just cause than this.”
Rachel Goldberg, whose 23-year-old son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, was snatched by Hamas after the group attacked a music pageant, additionally addressed the group, noting these taken captive ranged in age from simply 9 months to 87 years and had been of various religions and nationalities.
“Our hearts are bruised and seeping with misery,” she stated. “Why is the world accepting that 240 human beings from almost 30 countries have been stolen?”
Most of the demonstrators wore Israeli flags wrapped round their shoulders or held small Israeli flags of their palms turning their anger on Hamas.
![Protesters holding up placards with the names and photos of those taken captive by Hamas](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-11-14T201549Z_100245927_RC27D4AMPDGW_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-USA-RALLY-1700013101.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C513)
Banners and placards confirmed the names and images of individuals being held captive in Gaza, with the group shouting, “Bring them home!”
Different indicators learn “Annihilate Hamas” and “From the river to the sea, we support democracy.”
Safety was tight, with vans blocking entry to the mall and police preserving an in depth watch on the realm.
Melanie Lubin of Olney, Maryland, wore a flag that mixed the Stars and Stripes with Israel’s blue and white Star of David.
Requested concerning the loss of life toll in Gaza and criticism of the best way Israel has performed its army marketing campaign, she stated: “I think everyone is concerned about what is happening in Gaza and to civilians in Israel. Israel is doing its best. This is a war. Israel did not start this war.”
Mark Moore, a 48-year-old Christian pastor from Chicago, stated he thought-about Israel “the only bastion of freedom” within the Center East.
“I’m praying for peace… secured through victory so it does not continue with this endless cycle of violence,” he stated.