Tuesday, November 14, 2023
200,000 Gather for Rally of Jewish Unity in Washington, D.C.
With the Israel-Gaza war approaching its 40th day and antisemitism on the rise around the world, an estimated 200,000 people from all walks of Jewish life gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in a massive show of unity and support for the people of Israel, who have been under attack since Oct. 7. They likewise prayed and did mitzvahs, with countless Jewish men putting on tefillin at Chabad-Lubavitch's dozens of mitzvah booths spread throughout the Mall, in the merit of the Holy Land and her people.
The unity rally comes amid a huge surge in Jewish engagement in the wake of the Oct. 7th terror attacks and the subsequent war, a Jewish awakening that includes an increase in attendance at Jewish programs and services, a heightened sense of Jewish pride, connection to Israel, and stronger Jewish identity.
Zalman Watkin, 69, woke up before dawn in Roslyn on Long Island, N.Y., on Tuesday and boarded a chartered bus to attend the rally. Watkin, a son of Holocaust survivors, volunteered on a kibbutz in the Golan Heights during college and today is an active community member of Chabad-Lubavitch of Roslyn.
Watkin told Chabad.org that his and his community's connection to Judaism has only grown in the past 40 days. A self-described baal teshuvah who returned to Jewish observance 20 years ago, Watkin says he has been deeply impacted by the teachings of the Rebbe—Rabbi Menacham M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.
Watkin cites the Rebbe's teaching that giving strength to other Jews through positive action is central, especially now, in the aftermath of the brutal terror attack and difficult war in Israel, and amid rising antisemitism in the rest of the world. As president of his congregation, he devotes himself to encouraging the large Jewish population living in Roslyn to participate in Jewish events and activities, working closely with Chabad of Roslyn's co-directors, Rabbi Aaron and Chanie Konikov.
Watkin said he is looking forward to the widespread support he will experience at the rally. Speakers at the "March for Israel" include Israel's President Isaac Herzog, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson.
Also on hand will be families of hostages being held in Gaza, who had flown from Tel Aviv to New York the day before to pray at the resting place of the Rebbe at the Ohel, in Queens, N.Y.
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