Dear Friend,
In the weeks since the October 7 massacre, we have all continually searched for ways to respond, to mourn, to express solidarity, to help to support the Israeli people, to advocate for their security, to combat antisemitism, to be in community.
We continue to grieve for the victims of Hamas’ heinous attacks. We fear for the safety of the hostages in Gaza and demand their urgent release. And we reel at the skyrocketing death toll of innocent Palestinians in Gaza, even as we support Israel’s right to respond to Hamas and attempt to remove it from operational control of Gaza.
We all know that this moment calls on us to hold together multiple truths, values, perspectives and priorities at the same time. It demands nuance, empathy, and support for a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians — as well as a better, safer future for American Jews and all vulnerable minorities in our own country.
Next Tuesday, November 14, at 1pm Eastern, the Jewish Federations of North America have organized a “March for Israel” in Washington, DC.
For all J Street supporters interested in attending the march, we strongly encourage you to do so. We encourage you to find ways to proudly show your support for Israel, for Israeli-Palestinian peace, and for the pro-Israel, pro-peace, pro-democracy movement.
If you plan to attend and are interested in meeting up with a J Street contingent in DC, please sign up here to let us know.
The rally’s organizers have said that the focus will be on support for Israel, the release of hostages, and combating antisemitism – all of which of course are top priorities for J Street. At the same time, we know that such a broad communal gathering will not encompass the full scope and depth of our views and concerns about the ongoing war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Israel’s future. We will hear sentiments we agree with – and very likely some we don’t.
That is all the more reason for J Street supporters to participate in the rally, to represent our movement and our views and values, and to stand alongside many of our Progressive Israel Network partner organizations.
For those planning to attend, we encourage you to wear your J Street gear, and we intend to have J Street branded materials to distribute on the day. We’ll be in touch prior to the rally with more information on where J Streeters can meet up to march and stand together on the day. So be sure to sign up so that we can share rolling updates.
If you have any questions or concerns, please be in touch.
Thank you,
Sam Berkman
National Director of Communal Relations, J Street
