Tens of thousands gather in US in support of Israel’s killing in Gaza

Washington: What could be seen as a riposte to the massive pro-Palestine rallies that demanded a ceasefire for the Israeli atrocities in Gaza, tens of thousands of people gathered in Washington DC to express their unwavering support for Israel's military actions against Hamas.

The stage, however, featured speakers from ultra-right leaders, including Christian Zionists, and John Hagee, an evangelical pastor with a history of controversial remarks, whose presence, however, was criticized.

The rally, held at the National Mall, also featured speakers, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog and US congressional figures like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The event, organized as a response to recent calls for an immediate ceasefire, aimed to reaffirm the enduring ties between Israel and the United States.

The Israeli president, addressing the crowd via video link from Jerusalem, denounced the global rise in antisemitism and emphasized that Jews were being targeted merely for being Jews, calling it "an embarrassment to all civilized people and nations."

One notable highlight of the rally was the reception given to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who categorically rejected calls for a ceasefire, prompting chants of "No ceasefire!" from the crowd.

Progressive groups in the US, including Jewish organizations advocating for a ceasefire, have expressed concerns over the rising death toll in Gaza, where, according to the Palestinian health ministry, over 11,000 people, including 4,650 children, have been killed.

Despite acknowledging the tragedy in Gaza, many attendees placed blame squarely on Hamas, citing threats from the group's leaders to repeat attacks as a reason to reject a ceasefire. Judah Klausner, a composer from New York, highlighted the logic that criminals don't normally return to the scene of a crime, portraying Israel as a crime scene under threat.

The rally drew participants from a diverse range of pro-Israel US Jewish groups, including some progressive outfits critical of the previous Israeli government. However, tensions arose over the decision to give a speaking slot to evangelical pastor John Hagee, known for controversial remarks, including associating an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal with the anti-Christ.

The massive gathering, estimated by Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries at around 100,000 attendees, also included Christian Zionists like 85-year-old Kim Smith from Virginia, expressing love for the Jewish people and a commitment to support until the return of Jesus.

Jeffries, in a pointed response to progressive voices within his own Democratic conference advocating for Palestinian rights and a ceasefire, reiterated the Biden administration's stance, stating unequivocally that "Israel has an absolute right to defend itself against Hamas terror."

He called for unwavering support for Israel's efforts to decisively defeat Hamas and prevent the resurgence of the "brutal terror organization."