On Tuesday, November 14, 2023, history was made. Nearly 300,000 people gathered in Washington, DC to show support for Israel. This is said to be the largest Jewish gathering in US history. 

The march brought together hundreds of thousands of people to voice their unanimity with Israel during their war with Hamas. The relationship between Israel and Palestine is rooted in deep history that dates back long before Israel was a state, but it wasn’t until the brutal attacks from Hamas, a terrorist led group on October 7th, that citizens of the world started to form opinions regarding the conflict. Hamas started attacks on Israel, killing thousands and abducting around 230 people. They have doctrines that call for the annihilation of the Israeli state and Jewish people all over the world.  There is a call for a ceasefire; however, it is important to note that if Israel backs down, Hamas will ignore, and continue to harshly fight. 

The media has been portraying the war, and people are starting to “take sides.” Jews all over the world are being faced with antisemitism. Even with the hatred the Jewish population is facing, they have been coming together to show their love and support for one another. 

The March for Israel was organized to demand the release of the hostages and to push back on antisemitism. People from all over the country gathered in DC to express their solidarity. 

The rally was put together extremely fast. Oakdale English teacher, Ms. Michelle Malone, was in attendance. She shared that she had only heard about the event four or five days in advance. . Malone explained, “The Jewish groups on social media that I follow published details about the event. Knowing there would be trusted people and security there, made me feel safe to go.”

The March for Israel was an incredibly cordial, well-assembled event. Malone voiced, “I think it was beautiful how that many people were able to come together peacefully.” There were no threats or violence for people to worry about. It was a sincere, accomplished march where  people were able to  share their thoughts and prayers, and voices were heard. 

While there have been calls for a ceasefire, Israel stands firm on their belief to have their hostages released before that can be considered. For now, marches and rallies will continue to happen to “march for Israel, march to free hostages, and march against antisemitism.” 

As of Thanksgiving weekend, 15 hostages have been released to their families. With over 200 left, there is continued hope that negotiations will lead to the release of the rest of the hostages.