Thousands rallied in DC, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. (AP/Mark Schiefelbein)
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A massive crowd of Israel supporters, estimated to be in the tens of thousands, convened in Washington D.C. on Tuesday to express their support for Israel’s war against Hamas, voice their opposition to a ceasefire, and condemn the global increase in antisemitism.
The rally, held at the National Mall, was attended by a diverse group of speakers, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The event was organized in response to recent US rallies calling for an immediate end to Israel’s military offensive. The speakers reassured the crowd of the enduring bond between Israel and the United States, despite the recent attack by Hamas that resulted in the death of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of another 240.
The crowd, draped in Israeli flags and holding placards, cheered loudly when Johnson criticized calls for a ceasefire, calling them “outrageous.” This sentiment was echoed by many attendees, who blamed Hamas for the rising death toll in Gaza.
Overlooking a sea of Israeli and U.S. flags, Schumer, Jefferies, and Johnson joined hands with Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa as Schumer chanted, “We stand with Israel.”
Despite the overwhelming support for Israel’s military actions, the event was not without controversy. Progressive groups criticized the decision to invite John Hagee, an evangelical pastor known for his controversial remarks, to speak at the event.
The rally was attended by a broad spectrum of pro-Israel U.S. Jewish groups, including some progressive organizations critical of the previous far-right government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At a press briefing on Thursday of last week, Jeffries reiterated the Democratic Party’s commitment to Israel’s security and the Biden administration’s goals during the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the need to defeat Hamas, secure the return of hostages, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinian civilians. Video below.
