WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Supporters of Israel rallied by the thousands on the National Mall under heavy security Tuesday, voicing solidarity in the fight against Hamas and crying “never again."
Among those supporters was a group from the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine.
"It was incredible," Ashley Inbar, director of development for the alliance, said. "I was trying to figure out why it felt so so so different and special, and very emotional, and I think it was because I’ve been to Israel, I’ve obviously been in very crowded place in Israel, I’ve prayed at the Western Wall, all of that, [but] I’ve never been surrounded by that many Jews in one place at one time ever."
Many of the demonstrators at the “March for Israel” wore Israeli flags wrapped around their shoulders, flowing behind them, or held small Israeli flags in their hands. Security was tight, with dump trucks blocking access to the mall and police dispersed throughout the area and on horseback.
“This is such a horrible time, and the reasons for the march were not necessarily good things obviously, but everyone was so positive, so filled with hope, everyone was so kind to each other," Inbar explained. "It felt so safe. It was really unbelievable. Strangers were hugging, taking photos of each other and talking and helping other people. It was great.”
“It’s not that easy to get to DC from Maine. It’s a little bit of a challenge. There are no easy ways to get there and back in the same day for something like a march. So the fact that the march was in the middle of the week and you’d have to come from Portland, I just thought the logistics would make it too difficult. We thought we’d throw it out there anyway and just say, ‘Hey, if we put a van together, would anyone like to join us?’" Inbar said. "And it was like rapid fire for the next 24 hours where the list was just growing and growing. We had people from Rockland, Brunswick, Portland, all over the state. Western Maine, northern Maine, it was incredible. It was really amazing."
Melanie Lubin of Olney, Maryland, wore a flag half made up with the Stars and Stripes and half with Israel’s blue and white Star of David. Asked about the death toll in Gaza and criticism of the way Israel has conducted its military campaign, she said: “I think everyone is concerned about what is happening in Gaza and to civilians in Israel. Israel is doing its best. This is a war. Israel did not start this war."
Hamas militants stormed into Israel from Gaza in the surprise incursion Oct. 7, killing more than 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages. Israel has responded with weeks of attacks in Gaza, which have killed more than 11,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
The show of support for Israel comes as condemnation of the conflict has grown worldwide, stoking anti-Israel sentiment, and as President Joe Biden urges Israel to moderate some of its tactics to ease civilian suffering in Gaza after voicing full-throated solidarity with the Israelis in the war's early weeks.
The Homeland Security Department designated the march a “level 1” security event, the highest classification in its system and one usually used for the Super Bowl and other major events, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. The designation means the event required substantial law enforcement assistance from federal agencies, the officials said.