In a historic demonstration of support for Israel, an estimated 290,000 plus attendees, including the families of Israeli hostages, rallied together in Washington D.C. This event marked the largest gathering of Jewish people since the biblical times of Mount Sinai, according to former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman.
The rally was initiated by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Attendees comprised mostly of Christians and Jews from across the United States. The rally took place on National Mall, with Senate Republican Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) inaugurating the day’s events.
Barrasso extended a warm welcome to the families of Israelis held hostage by Palestinian terrorists last month. He expressed solidarity with the families, stating, “We are all standing here in unity with you… we stand with the people of Israel and that is very heartfelt.” He pledged cooperation towards ensuring the safe return of their family members.
Today, I addressed hundreds of thousands at a rally in downtown Washington DC. It was an unprecedented show of support for Israel, a clear call for the immediate release of the hostages and a powerful coming-together to combat antisemitism.
There are defining moments in… pic.twitter.com/VdcLdJkhe9
— Ambassador Michael Herzog (@AmbHerzog) November 14, 2023
Dovid Efune, Publisher of The New York Sun, confirmed that 290,000 people came through the metal detectors to attend the event. The actual attendance could have been higher, as many more appeared to be present without the required wristbands for security clearance.
Pastor John Hagee of Christians United For Israel emphasized unity between Christians and Jews at the rally. He declared, “if a line has to be drawn, then draw that line around both Christians and Jews. We are one!”
Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, described the rally as an “unprecedented show of support for Israel.” He added that it was also “a clear call for the immediate release of the hostages and a powerful coming-together to combat antisemitism.” Herzog appreciated the unity and strength displayed at the gathering, expressing confidence in overcoming adversities.
Contrasting with pro-Palestinian events, the pro-Israel rally was noted for its peaceful conduct, display of American flags, and absence of bigotry or racism. The gathering also set a new record for the Jewish community, surpassing the previous largest gathering of 250,000 people rallying for Soviet Jewry in 1987.
This massive show of support for Israel reflects the strong ties between the U.S. and Israel, as well as the commitment to fight against antisemitism. The rally was not only an expression of solidarity but also a call for action towards the release of Israeli hostages and the ongoing fight against hate and discrimination.
