NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Thousands of people descended upon the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Tuesday for a rally with three goals: express support for Israel, demand the release of the nearly 240 hostages taken by Hamas during its Oct. 7 terror attack in southern Israel and to condemn antisemitism.
Organizers of the rally, which include the Jewish Federations of North America and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Orgnizations, expect 100,000 participants.
"The March for Israel will be an opportunity for all Americans to come together in solidarity with the people of Israel, to demonstrate our commitment to America’s most important ally in the Middle East, to condemn the rising trend of antisemitic violence and harassment, and to demand that every hostage be immediately and safely released," organizers said in a statement.
Speakers at the rally include actress Debra Messing, Broadway actress Tovah Feldshuh, CNN commentator Van Jones, Sen. Charles Schumer, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey, Israeli president Isaac Herzog, several interfaith leaders (including Christians United for Israel, Black pastors, a Muslim Pakistani American women's activist), 100 relatives of hostages and other GOP and Democrat members of Congress,
The rally kicked off at 1 p.m. and will last until 3 p.m.