“We must continue to fight against hate and stand up against antisemitism wherever it may be found,” she added.
The event ended with a group of singers leading the crowd in a rendition of “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem, as the rain fell harder and the crowd dwindled further.
“We may be small in number today,” Haddish said as she wrapped up the event, “but we are strong in spirit and in our commitment to Israel and the Jewish people. Am Yisrael Chai!”
A security guard at the stadium said that the event ended in chaos, with attendees rushing for the exits as the rain intensified. Three people suffered minor injuries in the crush, which was worsened by the fact that the exits were not clearly marked.
The National Park Service said it would investigate the incident.
We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all individuals, and we will always remember the tragedies of Oct. 7. We are steadfast in our opposition to antisemitism and will confront this age-old evil wherever it appears. It is imperative that everyone feels secure on campus, at work, and in their communities. We advocate for a future that is inclusive and tolerant, where people of all backgrounds can prosper.
Following this, she highlighted the progress made in repairing roads and expanding pre-K education in her state.
Family members of hostages appealed to both outgoing President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to collaborate in bringing their loved ones back home. Over 100 Israelis are being held captive by Hamas.
“President-elect Trump and President Biden, I urge you to take advantage of this moment, with the removal of [former Hamas chief Yahya] Sinwar, to urge the mediators to secure a deal that will bring our people back,” said Daniel Lifshitz, whose grandfather, Oded Lifshitz, 84, remains in captivity.
The rally occurred a day after demonstrations throughout Israel marked 400 days since Oct. 7, many of which criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A coalition of Jewish progressive organizations referenced this protest movement in a recent statement explaining their decision to skip Sunday’s event after attending last year’s rally. These groups, including J Street, T’ruah, the New Israel Fund, and Americans for Peace Now, called for the event to align more closely with the Israeli protestors.
“Showing support for Israel should also involve solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of Israelis who have been protesting in the streets for many months, urging their government to end the conflict, prioritize the release of captives, and choose democracy over a messianic settler agenda,” the statement emphasized.
Several progressive organizations, such as the National Council of Jewish Women and the Union for Reform Judaism, were present at the rally.
The event also coincided with the global gatherings held by Jews to commemorate the first anniversary of Oct. 7. An official from one of the partner organizations noted that this, among other factors, contributed to the timing of Sunday’s event being less than ideal.
“With around 400 Oct. 7 memorials, along with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, the planning for this event was rushed,” stated the official anonymously.
Sunday’s rally also marked one year since the previous large pro-Israel rally in the capital. Stacy Zeitz, a special education administrator from Brooklyn, remarked on the diminishing enthusiasm among attendees, attributing it to the passage of time.
“A year of headlines can dampen spirits,” said Zeitz, 57, clad in an “I Stand with Israel” sweatshirt. “Interest seems to be waning. It appears some of us are losing momentum.”
Support the Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency fuels the reliable journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for over a century. With your support, JTA can continue delivering crucial news and insights. Donate today.