My wife and I, along with our two kids, attended the March for Israel rally in Washington DC on November 14th, 2023. There were about 300,000 people in attendance, standing in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people as we watched an assortment of speakers approach the podium to give their remarks.
There was a discussion amongst our staff about whether or not we should attend. Our reason for the discussion will be addressed shortly, but the conclusion was that we should in order to show support for our Jewish brothers and sisters and Am Yisrael.
The reason there was a hesitancy to go on IBSI’s part was unfortunately because what we expected was the reality at the rally. The general language of the day was restating the United States of America’s support for the State of Israel. Sadly, at this juncture, nothing could be further from the truth.
The fact that the Biden-Harris Administration has been sending billions of dollars to the Palestinian Authority since taking office, in violation of the Taylor Force Act is one thing. Unfreezing billions of dollars to the Islamic Republic of Iran is another thing. IBSI has addressed both in a previous article entitled ‘What If Israel’s Friend is Israel’s Enemy?’ These things should really be enough for anyone to see this administration does not support Israel.
Unfreezing another $10 billion to Iran during the March for Israel rally, wherein politicians spoke of America’s support for Israel is not only a slap in the face, but a harsh reality check that the rally did nothing except bring a huge group of people together to chant “bring them home!” and “USA!” and fawn over our favorite guest speakers.
And speaking of the speakers, as eloquent and even powerful as many of them were, not one of them addressed any of the aforementioned atrocities; not the fact that the US is funding both sides of the Arab-Israeli conflict, not the US continuing to embolden the Mullahs in Iran by giving them access to billions upon billions of dollars, nothing. There was no call for accountability for this administration to actually do, or stop doing, anything. In fact, part of the message at the rally was to thank our president. We at IBSI continue to ask, what exactly are we thanking him for? Helping Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh continue to pay the mortgage on his mansion? Are we thanking him for giving Israel another war to fight?
I wish that it was different. We at IBSI wish it was different, but from the moment we received invitations, and quite frankly, which organizations would be represented, we knew it was an optics game. And while we were all in thunderous applause, waving our flags, singing our songs, and hugging our friends, our government was busy sticking the knife further into Israel’s back by further arming Israel’s arch enemies. One does not need to be a geopolitical expert to see that you don’t support someone by funding their enemies.
IBSI will continue to speak out even if it runs contrary to our dear friends and partners in the Israel advocacy space. What has been taking place in terms of policy since Joe Biden has taken office is unacceptable and even existential for both Israel and Jews worldwide. This administration has been consistent in its stance against Israel. It’s us who have been inconsistent. We say we stand with Israel against terror, then we look the other way when our government funds terror against Israel. This must stop. This past Tuesday, there were 300,000 people making noise, yet there was still a deafening silence. If we continue staying silent, we share the blame.
Thank you for speaking the truth. Though it was great to see so many people come together, the message left a lot to be desired. Where was the fury? Where was the outrage? I think sadly, too many US Jews are afraid to come out and criticize the current administration for fear of further withdrawal of support. The message is, accept whatever they're willing to offer and be grateful.
Thank for writing that. I totally agree and was dismayed at some of what went on Tuesday. Interesting that Johnson's house passed funding for Israel which Schumer shot down because it was stand alone. You and your organization give me hope for the future!