We Were the Lucky Ones
2 min read
Together with almost 300,000 Jews, we showed our solidarity and support for Israel and religious freedom.
On November 14, 2023, the exact date of my family's arrival in the United States from the former Soviet Union in 1989, we stood at the National Mall in Washington DC. Together with almost 300,000 Jewish people from across the country, we traveled to show our solidarity and support for Israel.
There was no better way to celebrate our 34th immigration milestone than to express unity with the entire Jewish nation. We felt empowered by this opportunity to add our voice to the demand for the swift return of the hostages and eradication of terrorism, violence and antisemitism.
The two-hour long program included speakers from government representatives, family members of the hostages and communal recital of the Psalms. Three hundred thousand people spoke in one voice of solidarity with Israel.
Growing up in the Communist regime, I know first-hand the agony of antisemitism and alienation from my heritage. After arriving in the United States, we were finally able to openly practice Judaism.
Learning about Torah values and traditions was a long and challenging process. Yet, there are no words to express the feeling of gratitude for my journey of rediscovery when I no longer feel like an outsider but rather a 'family member'. We stood together, shoulder to shoulder, feeling an incredible unity that overwhelmed me.
Since the October 7th attack on Israel, Jewish people from all over the world have been praying, donating money, rallying, advocating, and organizing community events in support of our Israeli brothers and sisters.
Israeli flags flying in the background of the Capital Building, made me so proud to be a part of this historic March for Israel. This iconic building, symbol of freedom and democracy, stood as a testament to the world of our undeterred commitment to Israel and the Jewish Nation.
Jews might be separated by distance, but we are united more than ever as an eternal family.
AM YISRAEL CHAI!
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I was proud to attend. Everyone was polite. People took their trash away from the Mall. Quite different from some of the other demonstrations that have been taking place.
Free the hostages! Am Yisrael chai.
I think there were plenty of gentiles there, too. It would be nice to give them some credit for standing with you.
We need marches and rallies like this, all over the World, especially in Western Europe, Britain and Russia.
U an VERY PROUD ti say that I was part of this momentous day!! It was a long day, but I was so honored I could attend!
Way to go!! We’re proud and grateful to all of you!
Thank you!! I typed those words very early this morning and the typos are making me cringe. 🙁 However, I meant every single word I wrote, regardless of the errors.