Chronicle poll results: March for Israel

Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an electronic poll the following question: “Did you attend the March for Israel in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 14?” Of the 282 people who responded, 48% said no; 36% said they wanted to but were unable to; and 16% said yes. Comments were submitted by 75 people. A few follow.

I’m still working.

I will not march under any flag, Israeli or American. I do not believe in nor support any nationalist movement. Further, I will not march with religious fanatics. They are conflating religion with politics and exploiting both. I am for a ceasefire. Not a continuation of the slaughter in Gaza and the possibility that more Israelis may also die. And full disclosure, a friend was murdered by Hamas. I could not honor her memory by calling for more deaths…

I loved the “No Ceasefire” chant in response to Van Jones.

Watched in its entirety, streaming.

I was sick, or I would have been on the bus.

Historical day. Glad I was able to attend and thankful for our Federation and the role in putting it together.

I would have liked to, but I have a terrible back. I did stream it.

Friends of Israel and our community were there, such as Bhavini Patel. Once again, Summer Lee, a Squad member, failed to support us.

Did not really know about it until it occurred.

This is such a complicated and emotional issue. I was worried about security.

I am too old to engage in such a march, but I support those who did. However, I would like to see pro-Israel and pro-Palestine individuals march together for universal kindness and peace.

Although there were hundreds of thousands of people attending the rallying, it felt extremely unifying in an otherwise very complex situation.

This event brought all kinds of Jewish factions together, and it reminded me that when we, as a nation and people, work together, change is possible.

I watched the livestream and so did my son, who is in Israel. It was a great comfort to many of us who feel under attack by old friends. It was inspiring, comforting, soothing and hopeful.

What a scary thought: So many Jews all together. I felt vulnerable, and yet had I been able to, I would have attended all the same. Antisemitism is growing, and some of it is within our own ranks.
I felt it was co-opted by the Federation and AIPAC. The choice of speaker was reprehensible.

I would love to attend the march, but I live in central Canada and we’re kind of isolated.

It’s disgraceful that several major media networks grossly underestimated the vast number of people in attendance at the March for Israel.

We were proud to represent three generations of Jewish support for the state of Israel.

I have been expending so many hours emailing, calling and persuading both Jewish and non-Jewish acquaintances about the issues. I am more motivated and better equipped to compile pertinent articles, pointed memes and incisive videos to support our brethren than to travel 250 miles each way to listen to speakers in overwhelming crowds.

This was a hate rally. I wanted to attend, but was deeply heartbroken when the organizers invited Christian evangelist extremists. How is this going to keep Jews, Israel and help get the hostages back? Let alone, keep Jewish people in the Jewish Diaspora safer?

The march makes you feel good, like you did something, and it certainly shows solidarity. But in terms of the world stage, and actually getting anything done, it doesn’t accomplish anything.
Our religion has survived because we banded together and didn’t let others dictate for us. Am Israel Chai. PJC