WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington on Tuesday for a “March for Israel” to express support for Israel and denounce the rise of antisemitism in the United States. Amid heightened security, people gathered in the bright sunshine on the National Mall, many displaying Israeli and U.S. flags. The event was organized to show solidarity with Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Recent violent assaults and online harassment, attributed to the conflict, have sparked a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in the United States, according to advocacy groups. The demonstration in Washington was attended by an estimated 200,000 people who convened to demand the release of hostages, show support for Israel, and condemn antisemitic violence and harassment.

Natan Sharansky, a former Soviet dissident, addressed the crowd, urging them to fight for Israel and against antisemitism. He declared, “We’ll fight for Israel. We’ll fight for every Jew. We will fight against antisemitism.”

The conflict has drawn attention in the U.S. Congress, with busloads of senators and members of the House of Representatives attending the rally. Senator Charles Schumer, the Senate’s Democratic majority leader, rescheduled his weekly press conference to attend the rally, emphasizing that history should not slide back to the days of the Holocaust when Jews were targeted and murdered.

The demonstration also drew Orthodox Jews, children, and “progressive liberals,” illustrating the diverse range of supporters in attendance. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog addressed the crowd in a video statement, expressing the need for safety and condemning antisemitic incidents.

The only counter demonstration at the event was led by several dozen Orthodox Jews from an anti-Zionist group chanting against the state of Israel. The main rally remained peaceful and was closely monitored by law enforcement.

In essence, the “March for Israel” in Washington served as a platform for thousands of supporters to stand in solidarity with Israel, condemning antisemitism and demanding the release of hostages. Anti-Zionist sentiments also made a small but notable appearance at the rally. The event highlighted the ongoing conflict’s impact on antisemitism in the United States and drew attention from U.S. lawmakers, underscoring the significance of the issue on both national and global stages.