What to know about the ‘March for Israel’ rally in Washington, DC, on Tuesday
Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators 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 Federations of North America and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations — is billed as an opportunity for “Americans from all walks of life” to condemn rising antisemitism across the nation and to demand that Hamas finally release the hundreds of Israeli hostages it is hiding in Gaza.
“Israel must eliminate the terrorist threat on its border and restore safety and security to its people. Americans have rightly stood by Israel at this critical moment 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 Federations of North America, in a statement.
“As patriotic Americans, we will gather on the National Mall to ensure that the entire world knows that America supports the people of Israel in its time of need, that America demands the release of the remaining hostages, and that America categorically rejects antisemitism and hate in every form,” he said. “This is a moment where all of us must stand against terror and defend what the terrorists seek to destroy.”
Organizers anticipate that 100,000 people will attend the event on the National Mall, according to a permit viewed by the Washington Post.
DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser said Monday that district police requested assistance from the National Guard, which will be supporting some traffic safety points.
The expected colossal rally comes just 10 days after roughly 100,000 pro-Palestinian protesters overtook DC, descending upon the White House while chanting, “Allahu akbar!” and “F–k Joe Biden!” as they accused the president of genocide and demanded a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
When and where is the march?
Unlike the pro-Palestinian march that proceeded it, the “March for Israel” will not weave through the streets of the Capital and instead will be relegated to the National Mall.
The outdoor expanse’s main gate will be located on 12th Street NW between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW.
For those unable to get close to the event’s main stage, video screens with a live audio feed will be available outside the security perimeter on panels from 12th Street NW to 14th Street NW.
The gates will open at 10 a.m., with the main program taking place from 1 to 3 p.m.
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 intensively debated whether to join this rally,” said the group’s incoming executive director, Maytal Kowalski, in a statement.
Follow along with The Post’s live blog for the latest on Hamas’ attack on Israel
Choosing to organize a “peace bloc” instead, Kowalski said, “We will claim our rightful place as members of the American Jewish community with just as much of a right – and responsibility – to share our messages of peace, of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and making it clear that there is no military solution to this political and national conflict.”
What will the march consist of?
A pre-show for the march will kick off at 11:30 a.m., put on by students across the country.
Once under way, the main event will hear from famous celebrities and family members of some of the more than 200 Israelis taken hostage by Hamas.
Follow along with The Post’s coverage of Israel’s war with Hamas
- Hamas chief says a ‘truce agreement’ and hostage exchange with Israel is close
- Hamas captives spill secrets about operating from hospitals: ‘We became their human shields’
- How many aid groups knew Hamas was hiding in a hospital and lied about it?
- Israel war live updates: Follow along for The Post’s latest coverage
Actress Debra Messing, Broadway actress Tovah Feldshuh and Rochelle Ford, the 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 street closures?
A variety of streets surrounding the National Mall will be shut down for the event starting Monday evening.
The Metropolitian Police Department issued an advisory warning that eight roads will be completely closed off to traffic for the “First Amendment demonstrations.”
Will it be televised?
Plans to livestream the event have not yet been established, but organizers said there is a possibility it will be made available.
“First and foremost, we are encouraging in-person participation for this historic event,” the event website states.
What is the purpose of the march?
Organizers said the demonstration will be a peaceful movement showing America supports Israel in its attempts to wipe-out Hamas.
The event will also express gratitude to the US for backing the Jewish state. The Biden administration recently asked Congress to approve $14 billion in emergency military assistance for Israel.
The rally will also place a large focus on denouncing antisemitic rhetoric, which has cropped up across the nation during the ongoing conflict, and to call on Hamas to release its Israeli hostages.
“Hamas’ brutal and ongoing acts of terror have no place in a civilized world and directly undermine global efforts to seek just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” said William Daroff, CEO of Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, in a statement.
“It’s imperative that America sends a resounding message of support to our ally 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 shared values of peace, justice, and freedom,” he said.
