Nearly 300,000 Jews descended on Washington, DC’s National Mall from the Capitol’s West Front to the Capitol Reflecting Pool this past Tuesday, Rosh Chodesh Kislev, to cry “Never again!” and show unadulterated, unapologetic, and complete solidarity with Israel and the Jewish People. Another 300,000 joined virtually through over a dozen options available by leading media outlets, including Stand With Us and the event organizers, whose livestream feed had a steady 65,000-plus.
The day began with a historic pre-dawn Daf Yomi shiur in front of the White House, followed by a similarly historic neitz minyan graced by the melodies of chasidic singing sensation Beri Weber, who stood amongst 2,000 Yidden wrapped in their taleisim as he belted out the tunes of Hallel.
“It felt like N’ilah, Simchas Torah, and Tish’ah B’Av all wrapped in one,” one Shacharis attendee exclaimed. A kiddush Hashem was made by all, who were respectful, courteous, civil, and friendly to the Secret Service and other members of law enforcement and the National Guard who were highly visible at the “level 1” security event, as designated by Homeland Security and the FBI. One officer said he received enough thank you’s to last a year! Israeli musicians Omer Adam and Ishay Ribo, as well as the a cappella group Maccabeats, performed several songs at the main event.
Participants were at the forefront of arguably the largest Jewish communal gathering in American history. More than 1,400 coach buses, aside from hundreds of smaller buses, departed their communities in the early morning to reach our nation’s capital to march in unison, raise their voices, and call for the release of the hostages, as well as to counter anti-Semitism on campus and in society. Four hundred even flew in from Florida. It was a powerful display of global solidarity that will undoubtedly be etched as one of the most crucial for Jews of our generation.
Dubbed the “Let Our People Go” rally, speeches were aimed at demanding the release of Israeli hostages, signifying a monumental collective effort to rally with Eretz Yisrael amidst an unprecedented war that has seen a stream of fake news out of Gaza as evidence mounts of the terror tunnels beneath medical centers and similar Gazan civilian venues. Internationally, anti-Semitism has spread like wildfire, causing an “embarrassment to all civilized people and nations,” according to President of Israel Isaac Herzog, who delivered an address from the Kosel HaMaaravi. College students Sabrina Soffer of George Washington University and Noa Fay of Columbia University spoke of the surge of anti-Semitism on their campuses.
In an impressive show of bipartisan unity that has become acceptable with regard to America’s leading Middle Eastern ally, key political figures joined the program. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and Senator Joni Ernst were but a handful of those who stood on stage in support of Israel, overlooked by a sea of flags from both countries. The congressional lineup of speakers included Reps. Kathy Manning, Chris Smith, and Sen. Jacky Rosen, co-chairs of the bipartisan task force focused on combating anti-Semitism. Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog and Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt (the US special envoy to combat and monitor anti-Semitism) also spoke.
The presence and powerful messages of the elected officials highlighted the urgency and importance of supporting a country in the battle of the generation. The March for Israel provided a resounding and unequivocal endorsement of one of America’s closest allies as criticism mounts over the offensive in Gaza, lest anyone forget the 1,200 barbaric murders of the October 7 Hamas incursion, denounced by the succeeding prominent and interfaith speakers. President Joe Biden, while not present, hinted at a hostage release in the coming days. Such news comes with optimistic trepidation to the 200 family members of hostages who attended the program.
Hersh Goldberg-Polin was kidnapped at the music festival in southern Israel six weeks ago. His mother Rachel calls the days since then “slow motion torment,” adding, “These children of G-d range in age from nine months to 87 years,” noting that they include Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and Hindus. Orna Neutra, the mother of Omer Neutra, and Alana Zeitchik, the cousin of six hostages, also spoke. The rally opened with remarks from CNN political commentator and civil rights activist Van Jones, who drew chants of “No ceasefire!” from the audience after commenting that all violence must end. Speeches from actresses Debra Messing and Tovah Feldshuh, Soviet dissident and former Israeli politician Natan Sharansky, Arielle Mokhtarzadeh of the Milken Institute and Mijal Bitton of the Shalom Hartman Institute took place during a portion of the program called “Freedom.”
The event was reminiscent of similar rallies held during the Second Intifada in 2002, and in support of Soviet Jews in 1987, which had turnouts of 100,000 and 250,000, respectively.
As we stand united, embodying our commitment to a vibrant Jewish community, our focus sharpens on the ongoing support needed for those in Eretz Yisrael. This moment of global unity has inspired millions, both those in attendance and watching worldwide. As the conflict continues, we have a unique opportunity to transform this inspiration into meaningful support.
