Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to flood the National Mall in Washington, DC, on Tuesday in one of the largest pro-Israel protests since the Israel-Hamas war began five weeks ago.
The “March for Israel” – organized by the Jewish Federation of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations – was billed as an opportunity for “Americans from all walks of life” to condemn the rise of antisemitism across the country and demand that Hamas finally release hundreds of Israeli hostages. hiding in Gaza.
“Israel must eliminate the terrorist threat on its borders and restore safety and security to its people. The American people are rightly supporting Israel at this critical time because Americans understand that Israel’s fight against Hamas is no different than America’s fight against Al Qaeda and ISIS,” said Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of North America, in a statement.
“As patriotic Americans, we will gather on the National Mall to make sure that the whole world knows that America stands with the people of Israel in their time, that America demands the release of the remaining hostages, and that America absolutely rejects antisemitism and hatred. in every form,” he said. “This is a moment where we must all stand against terrorism and defend what the terrorists are trying to destroy.”
People gather for the “Stand With Israel Rally” in Washington, DC on October 13, 2023. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Organizers expect 100,000 people to attend the event on the National Mall, according to permits seen by the Washington Post.
DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser said Monday that county police are asking for help from the National Guard, which will support several traffic safety points.
The expected massive rally comes just 10 days after some 100,000 pro-Palestinian protesters bypassed DC, descending on the White House chanting, “Allahu akbar!” and “F–k Joe Biden!” because they accused the president of committing genocide and demanded a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
People march in a pro-Palestinian protest in Washington, DC on November 4, 2023. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images
When and where is the parade?
Unlike the pro-Palestinian march that followed it, the “March for Israel” will not be marched through the streets of the Capital and will instead descend on the National Mall.
The exterior main entrance will be located on 12th Street NW between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW.
For those unable to make it to the event’s main stage, a video screen with a live audio feed will be available outside the security perimeter on panels from 12th Street NW to 14th Street NW.
Doors will open at 10am, with the main program running from 1 to 3pm
A protest calls for Hamas to release Israeli hostages outside the Red Cross headquarters in Washington, DC on November 12, 2023. Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
Partners for Progressive Israel is organizing a “peace bloc” ahead of the rally on the corner of the mall directly across from the National Museum of American History.
“We are intensively debating whether to participate in this rally,” said the group’s new executive director, Maytal Kowalski, in a statement.
Follow The Post’s live blog for the latest news on Hamas attacks on Israel
Opting to organize a “peace bloc” instead, Kowalski said, “We will claim our rightful place as members of the American Jewish community with the right – and responsibility – to share our message of peace, of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and make it clear that there is no military solution to this political and national conflict.”
What does the parade consist of?
The pre-show for the march will begin at 11:30 am, which is held by students across the country.
Once underway, the main event will hear from prominent celebrities and family members of some of the more than 200 Israelis held hostage by Hamas.
Follow The Post’s coverage of Israel’s war with Hamas
Actress Debra Messing, Broadway actress Tovah Feldshuh and Rochelle Ford, president of Dillard University, are just some of those expected to make an appearance.
Israeli musicians Omer Adam and Ishay Ribo will also perform.
Will there be road closures?
Various roads around the National Mall will be closed for the event starting Monday evening.
The Metropolitan Police Department issued an advisory warning that eight streets will be completely closed to traffic for “First Amendment demonstrations.”
Actress Debra Messing is expected to make an appearance at the DC rally.Nancy Kaszerman/ZUMA Press Wire
Will it be televised?
Plans to broadcast the event live have not yet been set, but organizers say it is possible that it will be made available.
“First and foremost, we encourage in-person participation for this historic event,” the event’s website says.
What is the purpose of the march?
Organizers said the demonstration would be a peaceful movement showing America supports Israel in its attempt to eliminate Hamas.
The event will also express gratitude to the US for supporting the Jewish state. The Biden administration recently asked Congress to approve $14 billion in emergency military aid for Israel.
The rally will also focus heavily on denouncing antisemitic rhetoric, which has emerged across the country during the ongoing conflict, and on calling on Hamas to release its Israeli hostages.
“Hamas’ brutal and persistent acts of terrorism have no place in the civilized world and directly undermine global efforts to find a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” said William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, in a statement.
“It is imperative that America send a strong message of support to our allies that we stand in solidarity with the victims, hostages, and their families, that we reject extreme anti-Israel rhetoric and sentiment, and that we are united around the shared value of peace . , justice, and freedom,” he said.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
