The Washington, D.C. unity rally in support of Israel on Sunday, November 10 attracted far fewer attendees than the massive pro-Israel rally held last November on the National Mall. Estimates ranged between 2,000 and 2,500 visitors to the home of the Washington Nationals baseball team—a venue that can seat approximately 40,000 people.
A two-hour pre-show entertained attendees prior to the actual event that began at 3 p.m. The small but enthusiastic assembly was eager to hear from families of Israeli hostages, members of the American and Israeli militaries, college students, musicians, politicians, organizational leaders and more. From the official opening by actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish to the closing statement by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y. 15th District), the crowd welcomed and interacted with each presenter.
The mostly overcast skies yielded a few sprinkles, but the weather mostly held up until the last few minutes of the scheduled program. Torres’ words were much appreciated, but the sudden downpour led the audience away from the stage. The congressman noted he has been a “passionate and proud Zionist since my first visit to Israel 10 years ago” and that it is important to voice opposition in a backwards world where “good is bad and bad is good.” Torres was an advocate for Israel long before the events of October 7, 2023 and said that “it isn’t a question of why I support Israel. The question should be why others are silent.”
My transportation to the “Stand Together” rally was on a bus sponsored by the Israeli American Council, one of the more than 200 sponsors of the rally. The diverse list of sponsors and entertainers was indicative of the unity that was the theme of the day. Sponsorships by the Orthodox Union, Religious Zionists of America, OneFamily Fund, Jewish Federations, organizations and community centers from around the United States (including Louisiana, Georgia, Florida Minnesota and Texas) were as varied as the performers and presenters. Attendee David Soltanovici of Manalapan said: “We have to stand together right now. The event was a very nice, peaceful moment of unity for Jews and non-Jews alike who support Israel and her right to self-determination and desire for peace. There were so many great speakers—from Tiffany Haddish to the mensch Ritchie Torres and everyone in between.”
Several college students spoke about their experiences as Jewish students as antisemitism grows in academia. Their similar stories told how they had no choice but to expand their activities involving getting an education to include Israel activism. Shirly Barda of East Brunswick was impressed with the presentation by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and her passionate support for the Jewish people and combating antisemitism. “She mentioned the hate on college campuses and the recent horrible attack in Amsterdam and that these things must stop. Ernst’s call to bring the hostages back now gave me some hope knowing there are strong powerful women like her fighting for us all.”
Many of the speakers noted that there are American citizens among the more than 100 remaining hostages and more should be done to bring them all home. Family members of the hostages spoke and presented moving stories of their loved ones and the impact their absence has had. Barda had a strong reaction to hostage Romi Gonen’s sister describing her as “light and happiness,” and the need to bring her and the others home before it is too late. “Her strength, along with the powerful message of the audience holding signs with pictures of Romi and the other hostages was uplifting and strong, yet painful at the same time.”
Chief Anne Richardson of the Rappahannock tribe of Virginia led a delegation of representatives of tribal and indigenous people from Canada to the Caribbean who stand in covenant and support of the Jewish people and Israel. She noted that she wrote a covenant supporting Israel in 2014 that was endorsed by the Council of Tribal and Indigenous people and later delivered to the Israeli Knesset whereby they recognize the holy city of Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Israel and the right of the nation to defend itself from any domestic or foreign threat of terror. Tribal member Chrisie Moore, United Western Lenape and Cherokee, said she came to the rally to support Israel. As a scientist, she appreciates the technological advances and inventions that Israel has brought to the world. As a Native American, she believes in stewardship of the earth and appreciates the work Israel has done to share irrigation and water-saving techniques with countries that are in need.
The theme of unity was the focus of the event. Despite the differences of opinions and practices, it is critical for the Jewish people to be united and channel their energies towards common goals. A rabbi from the Orthodox Union gave a dvar Torah at the podium following one by a female rabbi from the Reform movement. Musical acts were equally varied and enthusiastically received by the audience and included: The Idan Raichel Project, Hasidic singer Shulem Lemmer, John Ondrasik (known as Five for Fighting), violinist Ada Pasternak and Druze-Israeli singer Loai Ali.
Ondrasik said, “You don’t have to be Jewish to be a Zionist and support Israel. You just have to be human.” He also related that he was in Tel Aviv when sirens went off announcing incoming missiles. He spoke about the resiliency of the Israelis as the following morning he saw people playing volleyball on the beach, people going to work or school, and basically continuing with their lives. Ondrasik has encountered hatred for his support of Israel, which has solidified his continued support. The singers performed individually as well as together and encouraged the audience to join in. Impromptu dance parties broke out on the concourse, continuing with people singing after the songs officially ended.
If you somehow missed this phenomenal event, you can see it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMexQmXHUJk, where you will find the approximately four hour program that includes the preshow. But you won’t get the benefit of the new friendships you would have made on the bus to and from the event.
* Photos courtesy of Ofir Hillel, Deborah Melman and David Soltanovici.
