In a massive display of solidarity, tens of thousands of supporters of Israel gathered on the National Mall under stringent security measures on Tuesday, unequivocally expressing their unity in the battle against Hamas and proclaiming the resounding mantra of “never again.”
The “March for Israel” served as a bipartisan endorsement of one of America’s closest allies at a time when scrutiny has heightened over Israel’s offensive in Gaza, triggered by the violent incursion by Hamas on October 7.
Against the backdrop of a sea of Israeli and U.S. flags, top Democratic leaders, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jefferies, shared the stage with Republicans Mike Johnson, the House speaker, and Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa. United in their stance, they joined hands as Schumer affirmed, “We stand with Israel.”
However, beneath this facade of unity, Democrats are grappling with sharp divisions over Israel’s actions and its treatment of Palestinians. President Joe Biden, once fully aligned with Israel in the early stages of the conflict, is now urging restraint on certain Israeli tactics to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza.
Various speakers took the stage, denouncing the Hamas attack and decrying what they identified as a widespread rise in global antisemitism. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, addressing the crowd via video from the Western Wall in Jerusalem, termed it an “embarrassment to all civilized people and nations” and, invoking the Holocaust, declared, “never again.”
Addressing the crowd, Ernst emphasized the brutality of Hamas, stating, “They murder babies. They rape women. They abuse the elderly. How anyone in America could sympathize with these terrorists is unfathomable.”
The march, designated a “level 1” security event by the Homeland Security Department, received the highest classification in its system, typically reserved for major events like the Super Bowl. The FBI and Homeland Security issued a joint bulletin to Washington law enforcement officials, warning of potential violence or attacks inspired by the Israel-Hamas war.
Many demonstrators, draped in Israeli flags or holding small ones, displayed placards bearing names and photos of those taken hostage in Gaza, demanding their safe return with chants of “Bring them home!” Security measures were robust, with dump trucks blocking mall access and police presence dispersed throughout, even on horseback.
Jackie Seley from Rockville, Maryland, attending with friends from New York, expressed hope that the rally demonstrated solidarity with Israel and raised awareness for the hostages in peril.
Melanie Lubin of Olney, Maryland, wearing a flag merging the Stars and Stripes with Israel’s Star of David, addressed concerns about the death toll in Gaza, stating, “Israel is doing its best. This is a war. Israel did not start this war.”
At one point, organizers played a video featuring Jewish students discussing antisemitism, reflecting the conflict’s impact on college campuses. Noa Fay, a Columbia University student, vowed not to be silenced in the face of rising antisemitism, stating, “We should not have to do this, but we can do this, we must do this.”
