RALLY FOR ISRAEL - WASHINGTON DC, NOVEMBER 14, 2023
By Martin Kessel
On November 14, I was in Washington, DC on a family visit when I had the opportunity to participate, along with 290,000 fellow Jews, on the Mall in the largest assembly of Jews ever in the US in support of Israel and against Antisemitism. Those at the rally also demanded the release of the 250 hostages taken by Hamas following their deadly massacre in several Gaza Envelope kibbutzim, at the Supernova Trance Music Festival and in the town of Sderot.
It was amazing to be together with so many different Jews from very many different cities across the US including Boston, Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, and Miami. Many of participants, organized by their synagogue congregations, traveled overnight by bus to attend the Rally for 3-4 hours and then immediately returned home. I heard much Hebrew spoken in the crowd and saw a slew of very innovative signs covering every aspect of the Gaza war.
All ages were represented, but I was particularly impressed by the large number of college and high school students who were there; especially after all the intimidation which had taken place on their campuses.
Most meaningful to me was the poster — Bring The Hostages Home — with pictures of hostages prominently displayed. Many participants waved Israeli flags, held up posters or wrapped large Israeli flags around themselves.
The atmosphere was very friendly. I arrived very early and had a long walk to get close to the stage. The 20 or so speeches by leaders from Congress, and the national leaders of the Zionist and the Peace organizations such as Peace Now and J St., were impressive and motivating. The only exception being the surprising appearance of the antisemitic evangelical pastor, John Hagee, who marred the otherwise inspiring big tent gathering.
I am proud to be a Jew, an American and an Israeli.
Martin Kessel is a vice president of BHC and an Israeli citizen with many members of his family living in Israel, some of whom have been called to active duty.