What both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli supporters want you to understand
Amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, global rallies have united passionate pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli supporters Discover their motivations, concerns, and shared aspirations for a peaceful resolution
Since October 7, there have been widespread rallies across the globe, where large crowds convened to express their deep frustration, anger, and anxiety regarding the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas, which have led to numerous casualties.
Amidst a sunny yet chilly Tuesday, supporters of Israel assembled at the National Mall in Washington, DC. They adorned themselves in the colors of the Israeli flag, blue and white, and demanded the release of hostages held by Hamas. Additionally, they voiced their worries about the increasing antisemitism in the United States and emphasized the importance of unwavering American policies towards Israel.
"As Jews, we do not want to experience loneliness. Throughout our history, we have frequently endured feelings of isolation," expressed Rabbi Adam Roffman of Congregation Shearith Israel in Dallas. He and his wife, Rabbi Shira Wallach, participated in Tuesday's rally in DC.
"This gathering offers us the chance not only to unite with fellow Jews but also with those who support Israel. After a month filled with great difficulty and emotional turmoil, it fills us with tremendous hope and joy to witness the overwhelming presence of individuals who genuinely care about our Israeli brethren and the prosperous future of Israel as a cherished homeland for the Jewish people."
Rabbi Adam Roffman from Congregation Shearith Israel in Dallas attended the pro-Israel rally in Washington, DC on Tuesday, November 14.
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Roffman's wife, Rabbi Shira Wallach, also attended Tuesday's demonstration. She believes Israelis and Palestinians have a "common enemy" in Hamas.
Rebecca Wright/CNN
Days before, a pro-Palestinian gathering took place in New York City's Columbus Circle on Friday evening. Demonstrators marched to Grand Central Terminal and Times Square, waving Palestinian flags and holding homemade signs that called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the bombing of children. They condemned Israel's treatment of Palestinians, accusing the country of apartheid and genocide. Moreover, they urged the American leaders to withdraw their support for Israel.
Laila Rodenbeck, a 24-year-old attendee of the rally, shared her feelings with CNN, expressing distress, anguish, and sadness about the ongoing events. However, she found solace in attending these rallies, feeling slightly more hopeful about a potential change in the situation.
Why they showed up
Why they showed up
remained at the same position as the original. CNN interviewed several participants from these two recent rallies to gain insights into the reasons behind the thousands who have united to protest and the objectives they hope to achieve. Here is a compilation of what they shared.
Protesters supporting Palestine:
Several participants at the rally on Friday chose not to disclose their full names to CNN, expressing concerns about their privacy and safety. Some opted to wear medical masks or don checkered black and white keffiyehs, a traditional scarf, in order to conceal their identities, as they were cautious about potential identification or being targeted with doxxing, an online violation of personal privacy, due to their political beliefs.
Demonstrators gather in New York's Columbus Circle in support of Palestinians on Friday, November 10.
Laura Oliverio/CNN
Elizabeth, a 42-year-old teacher, said she joined the demonstrations after seeing images of children suffering in Gaza.
"I have a daughter, and witnessing the plight of the children in Gaza," she expressed, softly pushing her 2-year-old daughter's stroller. "Our stance is against the senseless bombings inflicted upon innocent lives."
Elizabeth Oram, a 70-year-old nurse and adjunct lecturer, proudly brandished a Palestinian flag amidst the march, her gentle blonde hair gently gracing the top of her white KN95 mask. She emphasized her unwavering commitment to Palestinian rights and lamented the dramatic deterioration of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, labeling it as "exceedingly dire and shockingly cruel."
"I am 70 years old and it is imperative for me to convey to my grandchildren that I refused to remain passive in the face of such a devastating event like genocide," she emphasized. "I want them to understand that I raised my voice and took a stand, making it an integral part of their knowledge."
Elizabeth Oram waves a Palestinian flag during Friday night's rally. She is a supporter of Palestinian rights.
Laura Oliverio/CNN
A demonstrator holds a sign calling for a ceasefire during Friday's demonstration.
The United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, established after World War II, defines genocide as the deliberate acts aiming to annihilate a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, either completely or partly.
While visiting New York, 20-year-old Sami, a French student at a London university, happened upon a rally. Upon witnessing the harrowing images of violence in Gaza on social media, he felt compelled to remain and participate. Expressing his anguish, he stated, "The constant stream of videos and pictures I see on social media, particularly on Twitter and Instagram, is truly horrific. Every day, I am exposed to these atrocities, and it pains me deeply. I strongly desire an end to this massacre and genocide."
Pro-Israel protesters:
Thousands of supporters of Israel gathered in Washington, DC on Tuesday for the "March for Israel," marking the largest pro-Israel event in the United States since the war's commencement.
Demonstrators proudly displayed Israeli flags, brandished placards demanding the release of the hostages, and even showcased clothing adorned with the images of the captives. Among the attendees at the rally on the National Mall was Sara Blau, a University of Maryland student, who wore a T-shirt featuring the face of Omer Neutra, a close friend from high school. Neutra had been abducted by Hamas on October 7 and is currently believed to be held captive.
Blau expressed her desire to participate in the march "to demonstrate my backing for Israel. I am an ardent Zionist, a proud Jew, and I wanted to be present to support my community."
Michal and Noam Sheps, a married couple hailing from New Jersey, stated their presence was to express solidarity with the hostages and Israel.
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Michal and Noam Sheps, from New Jersey,went to the rally in Washington, DC, to show their support for the hostages.
"We are one nation, united in support for each other, and we strongly advocate for the release of the hostages. It is of utmost importance," expressed Michal. "(Our purpose here) is to promote peace, ensure the safety of the people in Israel, and work towards the liberation of the hostages."
Noam expressed, "It is crucial for us to emphasize the significance of this matter and to show our solidarity with our fellow individuals in Israel. We hope that our support reaches them, with the assistance of both America and the backing of the American people."
Sharon Strauss, a 64-year-old resident of Rockville, Maryland, joined the rally adorned with an Israeli flag draped around her shoulders. She also held a sign displaying the Jewish Star of David in the colors of the LGBTQ+ flag. Sharon attended the gathering to demonstrate her unity with both Israel and the LGBTQ+ community.
What concerns them
Concerns arise for me regarding the ongoing conflict between Hamas and their ultra-conservative followers due to my transgender son. It is distressing to witness the lack of safety experienced by LGBTQ individuals in countries controlled by Hamas and ISIS.
Pro-Palestinian protestors:
Pritam, a 20-year-old student at New York University, wore a keffiyeh around his neck as he attended the rally on Friday. His presence was a way for him to express solidarity with the wider Muslim community.
"I am a Muslim and it saddens me to witness the loss of our people," he expressed to CNN. "As the younger generation, it is our responsibility to raise our voices and make a difference."
Lulu, a 24-year-old graduate student, shared with CNN that she experienced a combination of "anger, fury, and yet a determination to resist" during her participation in the rally. She expressed her concerns about feeling unsafe due to the doxxing faced by pro-Palestinian supporters for expressing their stance.
"I truly believe no one is free until everyone is free," she said. "I just think that we really have to hold the ground down and stand up at any cost."
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Pritam and Sami, both 20-year-old students, participated in the pro-Palestinian protest in New York on November 10. Sami's decision to join the gathering was fueled by the distressing images of violence in Gaza shared on social media.
Gurmukh, a 23-year-old research assistant who moved to New York for college, expressed his desire to align himself with the right side of history. "It's not about supporting or opposing any specific individual or group; it's simply about upholding fundamental human rights."
"I don't consider it to be a matter of politics or religion anymore. Our priority should be looking after the welfare of all individuals," he stated.
Pro-Israeli demonstrators:
Several of the pro-Israeli demonstrators said they had concerns about their personal safety as Jewish Americans.
Josh Segel, a student at Towson University in Maryland, expressed his concerns about wearing his kippah and Star of David chain. He mentioned that while he used to freely wear his Jewish symbols, he now feels the need to be cautious depending on the location he is going to.
He expressed concerns and a sense of fear as he traversed the grounds of the Towson campus. "I might find myself reassessing the individuals I encounter or the individuals I sit beside during class," he stated. "The source of potential threats is impossible to predict."
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A woman from Dallas shows off her pro-Israeli pins before attending Tuesday's rally in DC.
Rebecca Wright/CNN
Noam Sheps voiced his apprehensions regarding his own well-being and security.
"I have never felt as uneasy as I do now, being an American Jew," he stated. "I don't consider Israel to be an oppressor, nor do I believe that Israel provoked this situation. The Israeli citizens do not deserve this. Therefore, anyone who chooses to dismiss the events of October 7th in favor of an erroneous ideology about liberation or resistance movements is becoming increasingly empowered by the savage actions. Consequently, every single one of us, both in America and elsewhere, is currently in danger."
Evan, a 24-year-old resident of a densely populated Jewish area, expressed concerns about his safety while choosing to withhold his last name for privacy reasons.
"Regrettably, there is an underlying fear even present within these communities," he admitted. "We constantly sense it throughout."
What they hope to achieve
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators:
Several protesters stated that they participated in the rally on Friday to urge American policymakers to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Derek, a 35-year-old massage therapist, expressed his opinion, stating, "It is evident that a ceasefire is urgently required." Holding a cardboard sign with the words "Cease Fire Now!" written in sharpie, he made his stance known.
Most demonstrators "are looking for a reality where Israelis and Palestinians can live in harmony, not where one or the other is wiped out of the land," he added.
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Derek, a 35-year-old massage therapist, holds a sign urging a ceasefire during the pro-Palestine rally in Columbus Circle.
Laura Oliverio/CNN
"I believe that the first crucial step should be a ceasefire," expressed Rodenbeck, a 24-year-old professional in the nonprofit industry. "Furthermore, it is my sincere hope for the occupation of Palestinian land to be brought to an end, paving the way for a future where individuals from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian backgrounds can coexist in Palestine, free from harm. This is the desired outcome I am advocating for."
Alex Papadopoulos, a 36-year-old involved in media production, conveyed that participating in the rally was a proactive measure to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians.
"I anticipate the implementation of a well-thought-out strategy. Starting with the establishment of a ceasefire, we should then focus on proactive efforts towards reconstruction," she expressed. "Moreover, it is my strong desire to witness a different leader take charge, not Trump or Biden, but someone else who can rise to the occasion."
Pro-Israel advocates:
The pro-Israel demonstrators urged Hamas to promptly release over 200 hostages, who were seized on October 7th.
"We cannot proceed with a ceasefire until the hostages are freed," stated Strauss, a 64-year-old resident of Maryland.
She expressed her desire for a mutually beneficial way for both individuals to lead secure lives.
"I have friends who are Palestinians, and I firmly believe that they deserve the right to safety and their own homeland. I am a supporter of a two-state solution. However, it cannot be disregarded that Jewish individuals cannot consider Israel their rightful home."
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Ami Forman, 15, of New Jersey, went to Tuesday's March for Israel with his high school.
Rebecca Wright/CNN
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A young woman wears a necklace shaped as the country of Israel during Tuesday's pro-Israeli demonstration.
Rebecca Wright/CNN
Ami Forman, a 15-year-old from New Jersey, stood at the forefront of the crowd near the stage alongside his father and fellow high school students. They had gathered for the march to express their solidarity with Israel.
"I hope for the dismantling of Hamas, the safeguarding of the Jewish population, and a global demonstration of unwavering support for the Jewish community," he shared.
Wallach, the Dallas rabbi, expressed her belief that Israelis and Palestinians share a mutual adversary in Hamas.
She stated, "Naturally, our desire is for the people in Gaza to lead dignified lives and have adequate access to healthcare, education, and housing."
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"It is truly disheartening to witness Hamas exploiting their own people as human shields. The loss of life in that region is equally heartbreaking. Therefore, one of our aspirations is to foster unity against our shared enemy, ensuring that no one will live in fear of terrorism anymore."
Reporting for CNN, Zoe Sottile contributed from New York, Chandelis Duster reported from Washington, DC, and Eric Levenson wrote from New York. Additional reporting was provided by Gabe Cohen.
