On Tuesday, Oct. 10, supporters of Israel filled the streets of Midtown, Manhattan during a pro-Israel rally. The event was organized in response to the current war going on between Israel and Hamas, a terrorist organization. The participants marched through the streets of Manhattan while singing, cheering, and waving Israeli flags. Hamas has committed many war crimes over the last couple of weeks such as breaking into and burning homes, beheading babies, and attacking a music festival where young adults were celebrating peace. These acts of violence were fatal, resulting in the deaths of about 1,500 Israeli citizens.

“Me and my camp community had a friend at the music festival who was missing for three days and was then found murdered,” Natalie Pittman, an attendee of the rally stated.

Not only were the participants protesting, but they were also praising the people of Israel for their bravery and recognizing the strength that the Jewish community has shown over the past few weeks.

Pittman, a highly active member of her Jewish community and a strong advocate for Israel, was initially hesitant to go to the rally, but her doubts quickly subsided once she arrived.

“Before the rally, I was a little nervous about violence and the potential of Hamas supporters coming to the rally and causing issues. When I got to the rally, I immediately felt safe and protected by a large Jewish community.”

There were speakers on a stage keeping the crowd attentive and directing the singing of songs and chants. At the end of the rally, a recitation of the Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem which directly translates to “the hope,” was sung and could be heard from across the city.

“There was a sad undertone to the rally because many people had just been murdered, but it was also very hopeful,” Pittman said.

Eric Hochman, a father of an attendee of the rally, voiced his concerns about allowing his daughter to go to the event.

“I was nervous for her to be at the rally with everything that’s going on in the world. But I was also proud of her for standing up for what she believes and takes pride in,” he stated.

Visit the following websites if you want to learn more about this issue or support Israel’s efforts: https://www.fidf.org/ https://www.adl.org/about/adl-and-israel/support-israel-jewish-and-democratic-state