Throngs gather for March for Israel rally at D.C.’s National Mall to condemn antisemitism

The security level for the event — expected to attract tens of thousands to Washington — was raised to the highest designation amid a backdrop of growing bias incidents nationwide.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered at the National Mall on Tuesday for a rally in support of Israel and against the antisemitism and bias incidents that have erupted in the U.S. since the start of the Gaza war.

The March for Israel rally came as the war between Israel and Hamas entered its sixth week and with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continuing to reject calls for a cease-fire.

“This is the moment to speak up for ourselves and be united in support of Israel,” said 21-year-old Indiana University student Jared Cohen.

The death toll in Gaza continued to climb and Palestinians trapped there by the fighting faced a dire humanitarian crisis, many hiding in packed hospitals that were struggling to treat patients while fuel, food and power remained in short supply.

The latest convulsion of violence in the Holy Land erupted on Oct. 7 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking some 240 hostages.