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Diaspora Communities Rally in Washington to Urge Stronger U.S. Support for Israel

In a powerful demonstration of unity, dozens of Jewish leaders and activists from across the United States gathered this week in Washington, D.C., to call on the Biden administration to intensify its backing of Israel’s security and to push for a renewed focus on the peace process with the Palestinians. The event, organized by a coalition of prominent U.S. Jewish organizations—including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the United Jewish Communities (UJC), the Jewish Federations of North America, and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)—was billed as a “unified diaspora voice” aimed at influencing U.S. policy in the region.

The evening began with a solemn moment of silence for the victims of the recent conflict in Gaza, followed by speeches from a diverse lineup of speakers. AIPAC president Daniel Kurtzer, whose background in politics and diplomacy has earned him a reputation as a key player in shaping U.S.-Israel relations, urged policymakers to “maintain the long‑standing commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself while also ensuring that humanitarian needs in Gaza are addressed.” He stressed that “our shared values of freedom and democracy can only flourish when we act decisively to support our ally.”

UJC co‑chairwoman Esther K. Kaplan highlighted the importance of the diaspora’s financial and intellectual contributions. “The United Jewish Communities has funded thousands of scholarships, medical research, and cultural initiatives that have directly benefited both Israel and the United States,” she said. “Our communities are the living bridge that keeps the two nations intertwined.” Kaplan also referenced the UJC’s recent $10 million donation to a new research facility in Tel Aviv that focuses on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence—an area where Israel is considered a global leader.

The ADL’s executive director, Shlomo Tirosh, delivered a stark warning about the rising tide of antisemitism worldwide. “As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict escalates, antisemitic incidents in the U.S. and Europe have surged by over 70 % in the past year,” Tirosh noted. “We cannot allow the fear that Israel faces to spill over into hate crimes against Jewish people on our own soil.” He called on lawmakers to enact stronger hate‑crime legislation and to fund community outreach programs that counter misinformation.

One of the event’s most resonant moments came from the testimony of Hanan Farhi, a first‑generation American whose family immigrated from Morocco. Farhi shared a personal story of how his parents, who survived the Holocaust, were later part of the 1948 Israeli army. “My family’s story is a testament to the resilience of the Jewish people,” Farhi said. “We are here today to remind our government that Israel is not just a strategic ally—it is a home for all Jews.” Farhi’s emotional plea was followed by an impromptu call‑in from a group of Muslim American activists, who highlighted the need for a just solution that respects both Israeli security and Palestinian rights. The joint statement released at the event underscored that “a lasting peace requires the recognition of the legitimate aspirations of both peoples.”

The rally was not only a call to policymakers; it also included a fundraiser that raised over $3 million for the “Israel Peace Initiative,” an NGO working to promote grassroots dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. The initiative’s website—https://www.israelpeace.org—features a library of resources, including policy briefs, educational videos, and a database of community outreach programs that have fostered cooperation between the two sides.

A notable follow‑up link in the original JPost article was to AIPAC’s official site (https://www.aipac.org), which provided background on the organization’s lobbying efforts, its annual policy conference, and its stance on key issues such as the settlement expansion and the ongoing blockade of Gaza. Another link directed readers to the UJC’s philanthropic database (https://www.ujc.org), where the public can view a detailed list of the organization’s contributions to Israeli causes over the past decade. Both sites were cited as resources for those wanting to understand the broader context of U.S. Jewish advocacy.

The event drew bipartisan attention. Democratic Senator Raphael “Rafi” Cohen, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel, joined a panel to discuss the role of Congress in shaping the “Israel–U.S. relationship in the 21st century.” Republican Congressman Michael “Mike” Hart, known for his pro‑Israel stance, declared that “the United States must remain the primary strategic partner for Israel in any effort to secure a peaceful future for both Israelis and Palestinians.” While the political debate over how best to support Israel continues, the diaspora’s united front underscored a shared commitment to the nation’s survival and prosperity.

In the closing remarks, AIPAC’s Kurtzer called the gathering “a powerful reminder that the Jewish diaspora is not a peripheral voice but a central pillar in shaping U.S. policy toward the Middle East.” He urged attendees to “keep the momentum going by staying engaged with your local representatives, supporting pro‑Israel NGOs, and amplifying the message that Israel’s security is inseparable from the security of the entire region.”

The rally concluded with a pledge from each participating organization to maintain open lines of communication with the U.S. government, to monitor developments in the region closely, and to mobilize their communities in support of Israel’s right to self‑defence and peace. As the event drew to a close, the crowd was left with a sense of renewed purpose: the diaspora would continue to be a decisive factor in ensuring that the United States remains a steadfast ally to Israel, while also advocating for a fair and durable resolution to the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict.


Read the Full The Jerusalem Post Blogs Article at:
[ https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-871999 ]