Here’s what we know about DC’s March for Israel rally

Tens of thousands of pro-Israel supporters are expected to gather in Washington, D.C., Tuesday afternoon to protest antisemitism and call for the release of the hostages captured by Hamas militants last month. 

National Jewish organizations called on members of the public to join them for their rally, more than a month after militant group Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel Oct. 7. The initial attack left more than 1,200 Israelis dead while Hamas militants took more than 200 people hostage. 

Here’s what we know about the March for Israel event.

Who is organizing it?

The Jewish Federations of North America is collaborating with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations to set up the rally. 

When and where is it?

The rally is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. EST on Tuesday, but doors open for attendees at 10 a.m. There will also be a pre-show rally for students starting at 11:30 a.m.

The event is intended to be a rally on the National Mall, not a march through the streets. The organizers said the main queue to enter the event begins on 12th Street NW between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW. 

The organizers also said there will be video screens with an audio feed of the event outside the security perimeter on the Mall. 

What are the organizers supporting?

According to a post online, the march intends to show support for Israel, the 240 hostages taken by Hamas and to condemn antisemitism.

Since the attack and Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, antisemitism has been on the rise in the United States.

How many people are expected?

Multiple news outlets have reported that organizers said there could be as many as 100,000 people in attendance for the rally. Videos and photos posted to social media already show supporters gathering in the nation’s capital.

What security measures will be in place?

Organizers said they worked with U.S. Park Police, D.C. Metropolitan Police (MPD), U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Metro Transit Police to enforce safety measure at the rally. NBC News and ABC News reported the security level for the event was raised to the highest designation under the Department of Homeland Security, which typically measures based on crowd size. 

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday that the MPD will be assisted by the National Guard at some traffic points.

“They continue, we continue to monitor,” she said. “We expect a large gathering. We are paying attention to numbers of buses that are coming that are I think we can expect in the tens of thousands of people.”

She also did not say whether officials knew of counter protests planned. 

There will be security points at the entrance of the event, and the organizers have a list of prohibited items listed on their website.

Will roads be closed?

Ahead of Tuesday, MPD announced that there will be parking restrictions and street closures around the National Mall due to First Amendment demonstrations. The full list of closed streets and restricted parking areas can be found on MPD’s website.

Can I watch the event at home?

Organizers will be livestreaming the rally on their website.