As Israel’s war against Hamas continues to draw pro-Palestinian protestors to the streets across the world, the same is true for demonstrations calling out for support of the country while condemning the terrorist organization’s murderous acts against civilians, elderly, and children in pro-Israel rallies.
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Tens of thousands of people participated in a rally supporting Israel in London’s Trafalgar Square on Sunday, while also calling on the international community to make efforts to release all Israeli captives held by Hamas in Gaza. At the event’s conclusion, the crowd chanted “Bring them home.”
During the rally organized by the Israeli embassy in the UK, British government official and member of parliament Michael Gove, said the country will continue to always stand beside Israel.
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Protestors in London holding signs of Israelis abucted into Gaza
(Photo: Peter Nicholls/Getty Images)
The event was also attended by family members of Israeli captives held by the terrorist organization, who demanded their immediate release while calling on the crowd to “stand beside Israel and humanity.”
In Switzerland, thousands of Europeans participated in a massive demonstration in Geneva on Sunday calling for the unconditional release of Israeli captives held by Hamas. "As a descendant of past criminals, it is my duty to raise my voice against antisemitism and hatred of Jews," said Jobst Bitner, the grandson of a Nazi soldier from Berlin who attended the rally.
"My message to the Western world is that we must raise our voice, and mustn’t stay silent. But even more than that, we must stop any further activity and influence of Hamas in our countries, and forbid their activities by law in the areas where they’re allowed to operate. I believe Germany and all the other Western world countries need to wake up," Bitner added.
Standing behind the unique initiative was the Voice of Freedom Coalition organization, representing more than 350 Christian groups worldwide calling for the immediate release of all Israelis who were abducted into the Gaza Strip following Hamas’ offensive on October 7.
Pro-Israeli demonstrations were also seen in Berlin, where 25,000 people took to the streets in an event attended by Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The rally received unequivocal support from German political parties (except for AFD), who called against resurging antisemitism worldwide since the outbreak of the war while standing in solidarity with Israel.
The initiative was led by the Israel-Germany Friendship Society, Christian religious figures such as the German Bishops' Conference, the Evangelical Church, and various economic organizations. The key speakers at the event were President Steinmeier and Israel's Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor. German political officials from the coalition and opposition also spoke during the rally.
President Steinmeier called for the immediate release of all Israeli hostages and a clear fight against terror. "Our country must not tolerate any form of antisemitism – neither from the right, the left, from the old or the new, and we must not stand for any hatred of Israel that runs rampant on our streets, for any reason whatsoever."
Events supporting Israel also took place in the U.S. Last week, thousands participated in a demonstration for the release of the Israeli captives held in Gaza, which took place in Times Square, New York.
The event was organized by the Israeli-American Community Organization (IAC) in collaboration with other Jewish organizations. Fifteen large screens were lit up with the Israeli flag, with some showing pictures of Israelis held in Gaza.
The event was attended by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, and families of Israeli captives.