The gathering, deemed "the largest pro-Israel gathering in history," was a testament to the unwavering support for Israel among the American populace.
Marco Abbou, a 57-year-old personal trainer from Hackensack, NJ, originally from Israel, voiced his resolve, stating, "We are here to show the world that we won't be exterminated again." The crowd, a sea of Israeli flags and fervent supporters, listened intently as politicians and celebrities alike expressed their backing for the Jewish state.
Security was heightened for the event, with snow plows blocking non-pedestrian access to the mall and a significant police presence on foot and horseback. The turnout far exceeded the anticipated tens of thousands, reaching an estimated 290,000, according to William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations. "This is the largest pro-Israel gathering in history," Daroff proclaimed. "There are also 250,000 watching on livestream and on C-SPAN right now."
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Among the speakers was Orna Neutra, the mother of Omer Neutra, an Israeli soldier from Long Island who was taken hostage during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7. "He was protecting people when he was taken by Hamas," she said. "Since then, our lives have turned upside down." Her words ignited a chorus of "Bring them home!" from the crowd.
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November 15, 2023
The rally attracted attendees from far and wide, including Linda Szych, 60, and Laura Cohen, 72, who embarked on a bus journey from Clinton Township, NJ, at 6 a.m. to attend the event. "We've got terrorists everywhere, and they're here too, and if Jews don't stand together, they'll get wiped out," Szych told The Post. Cohen echoed her sentiments, expressing her alarm at the escalating hatred.
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The event was not without controversy. Approximately 100 Haredi Jews with the ultra-Orthodox anti-Zionist group Neturei Karta were present, inciting the marchers and necessitating police intervention. David Jacob, 67, of Great Neck, LI, commented on the irony of the situation, stating, "Their view is we shouldn't have the state of Israel until the Messiah comes. That's their view but that shouldn't mean Jews should be wiped off the face of the Earth."
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The Democratic Socialists of America expressed their opposition to the rally, tweeting, "Today's Pro-Genocide March in DC is a sad attempt to match the energy of millions who have marched, protested, phone-banked, and engaged in direct action to demand a Ceasefire and fight for a Free Palestine."
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The event also featured speeches from controversial conservative preacher John Hagee and actress Debra Messing. Messing addressed the crowd, acknowledging their pain and fear, and expressing her rejection of "naked hatred being called as a cry for liberation."
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Prominent political figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jefferies of New York City, also spoke at the event. Schumer assured the families of kidnapped Israelis that "we will not rest until you get the assistance you need."
The rally served as a call to action for President Biden, urging him to maintain his commitment to Israel's cause, including its targeting of hospitals used as terror nests by Hamas. David Jacob, who had recently returned from Israel, expressed his concern, stating, "I've come to encourage our politicians to not weaken in their support for Israel, which I think is coming unfortunately. Let Israel finish, eliminate Hamas." He urged caution in protecting innocent lives, but maintained that Israel was being careful, despite the terrorists' use of hospitals as shields.
The event underscored the unwavering support for Israel among the American populace, serving as a powerful testament to the strength of the pro-Israel movement in the United States.
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