

# Thousands Rally in Washington DC in Support of Israel Amidst Conflict with Hamas

Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Washington DC to rally in support of Israel amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The event, dubbed the "March for Israel," was organized by a coalition of Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Federations of North America (1,4).

The rally was attended by a diverse group of speakers, including lawmakers, celebrities, and political commentators. Among them were **Israeli President Isaac Herzog**, **Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer**, **House Speaker Mike Johnson**, and **CNN political commentator Van Jones** (1,2,4). 

> "I stand here for the kidnapped babies and the Holocaust survivors abducted and hidden somewhere in Gaza. We stand here together as the yahrtzeit candles for over 1,400 slaughtered in the sovereign state of Israel only because they were Jews," said actress Tovah Feldshuh (5).

The rally aimed to bring attention to the 238 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, including 10 Americans, following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel (3,4). The attack resulted in casualties and hostages, to which Israel responded with substantial airstrikes on Gaza, leading to Palestinian casualties (2,4).

The event saw mixed reactions to calls for a ceasefire. While **Van Jones** called for a ceasefire and prayed for peace, his sentiments were met with opposition from the crowd (2,4). On the other hand, **House Speaker Mike Johnson** criticized calls for a ceasefire, receiving loud cheers from the crowd (1).

> "I'm a peace guy, I pray for peace. No more rockets from Gaza, and no more bombs falling down on the people of Gaza," said Van Jones (4).

The rally also served as a platform to denounce the rise in antisemitism. Attendees expressed their determination to stand strong and combat antisemitism, with Jones emphasizing the need to stand against anti-Jewish bigotry and hatred of all kinds in the United States (2,3).

The event, however, was not without controversy. Progressive groups, including Jewish organizations, criticized the decision to invite evangelical pastor John Hagee, known for controversial remarks (1). The conflict has also reportedly divided the Democratic Party between staunch Israel supporters and progressives advocating for a cease-fire (5).

This rally, and the differing opinions it brought to light, highlights the complexity of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the varying perspectives on how to best achieve peace. The event underscores the importance of understanding these diverse viewpoints and the need for continued dialogue and negotiation in the pursuit of a resolution to the conflict.

Sources:
1. The Guardian
2. Newsweek
3. Fox News
4. Newsweek
5. ABC News

<h1>Thousands Rally in Washington DC in Support of Israel Amidst Conflict with Hamas</h1>
Tens of thousands of supporters gathered in Washington DC to rally in support of Israel amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The event, dubbed the "March for Israel," was organized by a coalition of Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Federations of North America (1,4).
The rally was attended by a diverse group of speakers, including lawmakers, celebrities, and political commentators. Among them were Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and CNN political commentator Van Jones (1,2,4).
<blockquote>
"I stand here for the kidnapped babies and the Holocaust survivors abducted and hidden somewhere in Gaza. We stand here together as the yahrtzeit candles for over 1,400 slaughtered in the sovereign state of Israel only because they were Jews," said actress Tovah Feldshuh (5).
</blockquote>
The rally aimed to bring attention to the 238 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, including 10 Americans, following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel (3,4). The attack resulted in casualties and hostages, to which Israel responded with substantial airstrikes on Gaza, leading to Palestinian casualties (2,4).
The event saw mixed reactions to calls for a ceasefire. While Van Jones called for a ceasefire and prayed for peace, his sentiments were met with opposition from the crowd (2,4). On the other hand, House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized calls for a ceasefire, receiving loud cheers from the crowd (1).
<blockquote>
"I'm a peace guy, I pray for peace. No more rockets from Gaza, and no more bombs falling down on the people of Gaza," said Van Jones (4).
</blockquote>
The rally also served as a platform to denounce the rise in antisemitism. Attendees expressed their determination to stand strong and combat antisemitism, with Jones emphasizing the need to stand against anti-Jewish bigotry and hatred of all kinds in the United States (2,3).
The event, however, was not without controversy. Progressive groups, including Jewish organizations, criticized the decision to invite evangelical pastor John Hagee, known for controversial remarks (1). The conflict has also reportedly divided the Democratic Party between staunch Israel supporters and progressives advocating for a cease-fire (5).
This rally, and the differing opinions it brought to light, highlights the complexity of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the varying perspectives on how to best achieve peace. The event underscores the importance of understanding these diverse viewpoints and the need for continued dialogue and negotiation in the pursuit of a resolution to the conflict.
Sources:
<ol>
<li>The Guardian</li>
<li>Newsweek</li>
<li>Fox News</li>
<li>Newsweek</li>
<li>ABC News</li>
</ol>

The Guardian

‘No ceasefire!’: tens of thousands march for Israel in Washington DC

ABC News

Thousands gather in Washington to demonstrate in support of Israel

Newsweek

Celebrities Who Attended March for Israel

Van Jones Booed at March for Israel—Speech in Full

Townhall

The Reason Why Hundreds Couldn't Make a Pro-Israel Rally in DC Yesterday Is Repulsive

Fox News

'It’s my duty’: Demonstrators pack the National Mall in solidarity with Israel

Israel

Hamas

Washington DC

Rally

Conflict

Hostages

Antisemitism

Ceasefire

Van Jones

Debra Messing

Michael Rapaport

Tovah Feldshuh

Ritchie Torres

HIH Princess Yasmine Pahlavi

Tens of thousands gather in Washington DC to support Israel amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The event saw participation from lawmakers, celebrities, and citizens expressing solidarity with Israel and calling for the release of hostages.

Thousands Rally in Washington DC in Support of Israel Amidst Conflict with Hamas

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