Thousands of local Jewish residents attend 'March for Israel' in Washington, DC
The march was to demand the immediate release of hostages being held by Hamas.
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Thousands of Long Islanders went to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday for the March for Israel.
Rabbis who helped organize transportation for Long Islanders say there was a waiting list within 15 minutes of announcing that a bus would leave from the Merrick Jewish Centre.
"It's a scary time to be Jewish. And for Jews-- often times we feel alone in what is a very busy and chaotic world. It's a chance for us to get together to show we are not alone and that what we are experiencing at this time in the world is completely unacceptable, explained Rabbi Josh Dorsch.
Those who marched on the National Mall wanted to show their solidarity with Israel, a place where many relatives and friends of those making the journey reside. Participants said they also want to take a stand against antisemitism which is on the rise across the nation.
Irene Kugel, a participant from Oceanside said, "I think everyone needs to stand up right now. Cause to me it looks like 1933 again."
"I honestly think it's absolutely ridiculous that we even have to be here today. The fact that everything happened in Israel and now we have to fight antisemitism is not an ok thing," added Alyssa Mendelowitz from Merrick.
Mendelowitz and several others headed to Washington, D.C. said they were going to demand Hamas hostages like 21-year-old Long Islander Omer Neutra be released.
"To know someone who's been taken hostage, it's a different type of fear you've never felt before. It's a different type of trauma knowing they're still there but you feel so helpless from here. There's not much you can do except for things like today," she added.
As News 12 has reported, Neutra, whose parents live in Plainview, had been in Israel serving in the nation's military when Hamas attacked Israel in early October.
