Standing Together

Yes, there were many empty seats in section F11 on the field at National’s Park on November 11, 2024. This year, unlike last year, we were not part of a large crowd marching on the mall in warm sunshine and a under blue sky. We were far fewer; we sat chilled by a cold rain and the clouds were gray.

A year had passed. A hard year, of Israel at war on multiple fronts, fighting off with the help of allies, two massive attacks from Iran. A sad year, with 101 still held hostage in Gaza. A shocking year, where virulent antisemitism turned violent in America and around the world.

Yet here we were, in our thousands at a rally that did not fill the ballpark. Still yearning for the hostages to come home. Still believing that we will dance again. Still there together, standing strong, resilient, and united with Israel.

I hope that those of you who could not be there in person, or virtually, will find a way to hear the message of that rally. A message shared through music, dance, images, words, and the very presence of those who were there.

I left renewed by that message, strengthened in my purpose— to stand with Israel as an American, Jewish Zionist. For despite the cold and the rain, I took heart from the message of strength, unity and resilience shared in so many forms:

·      The musician who said, “you don’t have to be Jewish to fight antisemitism, you just have to be human.”

·      The dancers who, in their fluid beauty and grace, payed homage to those lost at Nova.

·      The singer who came off the stage to sway in rhythm with the surging young people.

·      The speakers, young and old, in all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds who told their stories of bravely speaking out and standing up for Israel and against antisemitism in the United States and around the world.

·      The young woman athlete, an American gold medalist wrester, who told of being embraced by Team Israel in Paris.

·      The woman rabbi, wearing the uniform of a Marine officer, who offered prayers in Hebrew and English for all those who serve in the military.

·      The politicians, of both parties, who spoke of their iron clad support and unshakeable resolve to stand with Israel and defeat antisemitism.

·      The sponsors and supporters of the rally, who brought together so many organizations from across the spectrum and the country and made it possible for us to stand together.

Rally is a verb. It means “to come together again and renew an effort.”

I am grateful to the organizers, the performers, the presenters, and my fellow attendees— the rally accomplished its purpose. I came away knowing we will not falter, we will not fail, and we will continue to stand together united, resilient, and strong.

Jolie Bain Pillsbury and Fran Gutterman at the Stand Together Rally, November 10, 2024, National’s Park, Washington, DC. Photographer: Unknown, Fellow Attendee using Jolie Bain Pillsbury’s phone.

Stand Together Rally, Musical Performance, National’s Park, Washington, DC November 10, 2024. Photographer: Jolie Bain Pillsbury