WASHINGTON — Tens of thousands of people converged on D.C. for a pro-Israel march on the National Mall Tuesday.
Crowds began gathering on the National Mall just before 11 a.m.
Attendees included those from and around the D.C. region as well as around the country and around the world.
While the majority of people ere there to show support and solidarity for Israel, counter-demonstrations were also on the Mall.
Metro said due crowding, Smithsonian station will be entry only starting at 3 p.m. Transit officials asked those traveling by Metro to consider taking other stations to start their journey home.
Rally at the National Mall
Social media influencer Montana Tucker, "Stranger Things" actor Brett Gelman, and Emmy-winning actress Debra Messing of "Will and Grace" were among some of the speakers at Tuesday's march.
"This is a moment that we will all remember forever. And what we do right now in this moment will stay with us for the rest of our lives," Tucker said.
Gelman called on march attendees to stand up for Israel.
"We don't need anyone else. We are the Jewish people," Gelman said.
In her speech, Messing said "We will worry for our global Jewish family as well as the Palestinians."
While speakers and live bands took the stage early Tuesday afternoon, security remained a big concern. National Guard soldiers were seen on the Mall. Mayor Muriel Bowser called the march a "Level 1 security event."
Large crowds were also seen at Metro stations heading to the march on the Mall Tuesday. This was the crowd at the Silver Spring Metro station Tuesday morning.
Family members of some of the hostages spoke during the march. Mika Alexander, the sister of Edan Alexander, a 19-year-old student being held by Hamas, talked about what her family is going through. "We just need to bring Edan and all the other hostages home now," she said. The crowd chanted, "Bring them home, bring them home."
Many speakers repeated the phrase "am Yisrael chai," which means "The people of Israel live" in Hebrew.
CNN correspondent Van Jones said he was at the march because he could not be silent.
"I pray that every single hostage is released," Jones said. "I also pray that Hamas ends its reign its terror. I'm a peace guy. I pray for peace. No more bombs on the people of Gaza. Let's end all the horror."
He called for an end to hatred of all kinds.
"No more horror there, no more hatred here. You are not alone," Jones said.
Many of the speakers spoke about ending antisemitism and hate against Jewish people, and using voices to stand up against that hatred.
Several politicians spoke at the rally including Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA). He along with several supporters called a ceasefire “outrageous.” Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) told marchgoers Israel has the right to defend itself from Hamas and from there the crowd dissolved into chanting "We stand with Israel."
The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog joined the rally by video to say thank you to the thousands of people who attended the march.
"Today we come together as a family to march for Israel," Herzog said. "We march for light over darkness."
During speeches on Tuesday, The Jewish Federations of North America said at least 200,000 people were present at the march.
MPD Chief Pamala Smith released a statement following the march:
“Today, the District of Columbia remained safe and peaceful as our city hosted many visitors to our city exercising their First Amendment rights.
All events remained peaceful and those in attendance were safe throughout the events. There were a few reported offenses involving criminal activities, such as vandalism and graffiti, on public space and in those cases our detectives are currently investigating and will hold those found responsible accountable.
I extend my gratitude and sincere appreciation to the members of the Metropolitan Police Department, our local, state, and federal partners, and especially our community for helping us keep the District of Columbia safe for everyone.”
WHAT IS THE MARCH FOR ISRAEL?
The "March for Israel" is organized by the Jewish Federations of North America. The organization expects to draw 40,000-60,000 participants on Tuesday to show solidarity and support for Israel and the Israeli people. However, a source at Interior tells WUSA9 Adam Longo that numbers could closer to 100,000 attendees.
Jewish Federations president and CEO Eric Fingerhut said the rally will have a particular focus on the more than 200 hostages still being held by Hamas since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
"Hamas still holds over 240 hostages for over a month. We must keep the focus on freeing the hostages," explained Fingerhut.
IMPORTANT TIMES
According to the Jewish Federations of Greater Washington's website, the rally will take place on the National Mall from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Gates for the event will open at 10 a.m., with a pre-event program beginning at 11:30 a.m.
TRAFFIC CLOSURES
Emergency No Parking
6 p.m. Nov. 13 – 9 p.m. Nov. 14
- 7th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
- 3rd Street from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
- Maryland Avenue SW from Independence Avenue to 3rd Street
6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Nov. 14
- 6th Street NW from Pennsylvania Avenue to Constitution Avenue
- Madison Drive NW from 4th Street to 14th Street
- Jefferson Drive SW from 4th Street to 14th Street
- Constitution Avenue NW from 6th Street to 15th Street
- Independence Avenue SW from 3rd Street to 14th Street
Closed to Vehicle Traffic
6 a.m. Nov. 13 – 5 a.m. Nov. 15
- 4th Street from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
9:30 p.m. Nov. 13 – 6 p.m. Nov. 14
- 7th Street from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Nov. 14
- 3rd Street from Pennsylvania Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
- Madison Drive NW from 4th Street to 14th Street
- Jefferson Drive SW from 4th Street to 14th Street
- Maryland Avenue SW from Independence Avenue to 3rd Street
- 12th Street Tunnel
- Inbound 14th Street SW from 14th Street to Independence Avenue
Possible Intermittent Closures
6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Nov. 14
- 14th Street from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW
- Independence Avenue SW from 3rd Street to 14th Street
- Constitution Avenue NW from Pennsylvania Avenue to 17th Street
- Pennsylvania Avenue NW from 15th Street to Constitution Avenue
Interim Director of DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Clint Osborn's message is simple. Stay off the roads and use Metro if possible.
"The biggest impact for us and the reason why you're seeing so much around here is we have a lot of people who work down in this area... What we want people to do is if you can, take Metro today," Osborn said. "Also just be patient. There are going to be a lot of transportation challenges throughout the area."
IMPACT ON WASHINGTON CAPITALS GAME
Monday evening the Washington Capitals warned fans driving to Tuesday's game at Capital One Arena to allow for extra travel time or consider alternate routes due to those closures.
The Capitals are scheduled to play the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday starting at 7 p.m.
WATCH NEXT: 'March for Israel' planned on National Mall
The organization expects to draw 40,000-60,000 participants on Tuesday to show solidarity and support for Israel and the Israeli people.