In the wake of the Israel-Hamas War, approximately 200 local residents gathered on Sunday, Oct. 8, in downtown Redwood City to protest attacks and voice their support for Israel. 

Club Z, a local Jewish youth organization, planned the rally where people of ranging ages gathered to show their solidarity with Israelis. 

“It was incredibly important to Club Z to show support for Israel in the face of these horrific events. Many of us feel helpless in the face of war and tragedy, especially when it’s so far away. That is not the Club Z way. We ACT. Club Z Bay Area organized a rally in hours. In fact, it was the very first pro-Israel rally in the United States since the war started. And we will continue to speak out in support of Israel every chance we get,” Club Z Bay Area Regional Director and one of the event’s organizers Karin Feyenberg said. 

Protestors paraded the streets of Redwood City, proudly waving both Israeli and American flags and holding up signs reading “We stand with Israel” and “End Jew-hatred.”

The group congregated in front of the Redwood City Courthouse Square where individuals, including high schoolers, delivered emotional speeches, sang Israeli and American anthems, and chanted “Am Israel Chai,” a Hebrew phrase that translates to “The People of Israel Live.”

Among the speakers was Leah Krupnik, a member of Club Z and student at Gunn High School, who encouraged the audience to remember they have a voice and can speak up.

“Right now in Israel, teens like myself and many of the people standing here today, are being kidnapped and sent to Gaza.  It’s unimaginable to think what horrors and torture they’re being subjected to and that that could’ve been us. And that is why you must speak up. Speaking in defense of Israel, speaking in defense of your identity, your ancestors, and your homeland. Yet much closer to home our fellow citizens have the audacity to gather in support of these hateful acts of violence. It goes even further. Because in this very country right at my high school, at my fellow teens’ high schools, on college campuses in all major cities, there are those who’re willing to gather in support of terror and murder if only those things are directed at the Jews,” Krupnik said. 

Following the speeches, the group proceeded by marching to the intersection of El Camino Real and Broadway Ave in front of Sequoia High School. Participants waved flags and listened as some passing vehicles honked their horns in accordance with ‘Honk for Israel’ signs. 

“I am absolutely devastated by what is happening in Israel. The terrorism that is happening is heartbreaking. I completely believe that rallies supporting Israel are significant in not only showing support to the victims of Israel but also helping combat the rising antisemitism in the U.S. that is growing as more attacks are launched. To me, these rallies represent the love and support that is crucial in helping the people of Israel as well as our grieving Jewish community,” Jewish Club president Mirella Odesskiy said.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine reached a new level when Hamas, a Palestinian Islamic political party in control of the Gaza Strip, surprise attacked Israel with air raids on the morning of Oct. 7.

According to recent statistics from CBS News, the death toll in Israel as a result of the recent attacks has reached 1,200, including 14 Americans, with at least 2,700 more wounded. There have been at least 1,055 deaths on the Palestinian side as well. The attacks mark the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

Across the United States, numerous rallies in support of both the Israeli and Palestinian sides have occurred in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more. 

“Educate yourselves on the facts surrounding this war and Israel in general. We have a great resource that you can access here. Make your voice heard. In school, in your communities, and on social media. There is so much misinformation out there, and you have the power to educate those around you,” Feyenburg said. 

This story was originally published on Scot Scoop News on October 12, 2023.