Thousands, Including Progressive Politicians, Rally in Boston to Back Israel
Pro-Israel supporters and politicians from Massachusetts gather on the Boston Common, Oct 9, 2023. Photo: Ira Stoll
Thousands of people — including both US senators from Massachusetts, the state’s governor, and the mayor of Boston — gathered on Monday on the Boston Common park to express clear support for Israel after the terrorist invasion over the weekend that killed more than 800 people.
Monday’s gathering was striking given what many observers have alleged is a weakening of support for Israel on the progressive left. Massachusetts leans Democratic, and the speakers at the rally included Massachusetts’ first lesbian governor, Maura Healey; Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren; and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu — all Democrats. Many of them offered unqualified backing for Israel, which has mobilized a record 300,000 reservists in its response to a multi-front attack by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas from its enclave in Gaza.
“Our support is unwavering,” said Healey. “Massachusetts stands with Israel now and always, today and on all the days ahead.”
Healey added that she condemned Hamas terrorists “as a matter of fundamental human decency.” She also noted that Israel “has always been here for us,” helping Massachusetts after the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
“These are our family members,” said Wu, who spoke of “moral clarity.”
“Boston stands with Israel in love and solidarity,” she said.
Meanwhile, Warren added that there is “no justification” for terrorism ever.
“I am here to stand in solidarity,” Warren said. “I am committed to Israel’s safety and security.”
Markey, who also said “we stand with Israel,” was booed by the audience when he mentioned “de-escalation.”
A Democratic congressman from Massachusetts, Jake Auchincloss, said, “The Jewish people are defending their right to a secure homeland.” Then, in an apparent rebuke of Markey, he added, “Now is not the time for de-escalation,” comparing it to someone telling the US to deescalate on Sept. 12, 2001, one day after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Many voices in the Boston Jewish community have been concerned, some outspokenly so, over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reforms or his right-wing coalition members. However, there were no negative remarks about Netanyahu or his coalition from the rally podium.
Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, president of Hebrew College, quoted a longtime peace activist, Yona Shem-Tov at the podium: “Hamas must be condemned without reservation.”
The president of the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, Rabbi Marc Baker, who helped organize the rally along with the Israeli American Council and the Jewish Community Relations Council, said his group had raised nearly $1 million in gifts in a 48-hour special campaign. He stressed the need for unity.
“I am angry and appalled at these barbaric attacks,” Baker said. “When our family and friends are hurt, we show up and we do whatever we can to help.”
Israel’s consul general in New England, Meron Reuben, thanked the “sea of people” who showed up and overflowed a large fenced-off area that had been prepared in advance. He said the crowd exceeded expectations given the Columbus Day holiday weekend and short lead time. “We are strengthened by your support,” he said.
“Unfortunately, this is going to be a long haul,” Reuben continued. “This is going to be a long, drawn-out conflict.” He said support will be needed “not only today and not only tomorrow, but for days and months ahead.”
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