Baltimore Photographer Captures Images from ‘Stand With Israel’ Rally

October 16, 2023 JMORE Staff

Rally attendees sing songs of peace and prayer for Israel. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)

Even dire threats of an international “Day of Rage” by Hamas could not stop hundreds of Jews and non-Jews from gathering in the nation’s capital last Friday afternoon, Oct. 13, for the “Stand for Israel” rally.

Amid tight security, the national gathering at Freedom Square in Northwest Washington, D.C., was organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington.

“Did we let Hamas deter us from showing up today? No! ” shouted JCRC executive director Ron Halber to cheers. “Hamas has tried to break the will of Israelis and Jewish people around the world. … They failed because we’re more united today than I’ve ever seen us in my 30 years involved in this work.”

Among those who attended was Baltimore-based photographer Robyn Stevens Brody. A Poplar Hill resident and Chizuk Amuno congregant, Brody became an internationally known freelance photographer when her images from the U.S. Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, were seen on such media outlets as CNN, “60 Minutes,” The New York Times, ABC News, MSNBC and The Times of Israel.

“Documenting the pro-Israel rally was a moment of solidarity amongst deep sadness,” Brody said. “Many spectrums of Jewish practice and American politics were unified. Strong statements supporting Israel resonated throughout the speakers, both Jewish and non-Jewish, on a local, national and global perspective. And it was clear: this war is against Hamas, not Palestinians.”

Besides Halber, speakers at the rally included Gov. Wes Moore, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-Maryland), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland) and Rep. David Trone (D-Maryland).

“I’m here to say very clearly we are here to stand with the state of Israel,” said Moore. “To recognize the rights of Israel to exist, to recognize the right of Israel to defend itself, to recognize the right of Israelis to live without fear. But today, it’s time for us to stand with Israel [and] it’s also time for us to stand unequivocally against Hamas.”

In his remarks, Hoyer alluded to the 19th-century African-American spiritual, “I Shall Not Be Moved.”

“‘Like a tree standing by the river, we shall not be moved.’ We shall not be moved, Israel,” he said. “We shall not be moved, America. We shall not move all those in this world who are for justice and fairness and international law. Criminals must be called to account. … What the president of the United States said — we are absolutely committed to being with Israel today, tomorrow, and always.”

Brody said the rally resonated deeply for all in attendance. “The event ended with several hundred pro-Israel souls singing a song for peace,” she said. “This rally was powerful, emotional and safe.”

Attendees wave Israeli flags during a speaker’s call for support for the Jewish state. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)
In the nation’s capital, hundreds turned out despite Hamas threats to show their support for Israel. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)
A youngster gets into the spirit of the “Stand With Israel” rally. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)
Gov. Wes Moore: “Progress for Hamas is not Israelis and Palestinians living peacefully together. Progress for Hamas is not self-determination or knowing that every child should have the right to live without fear.” (Photo by Robin Stevens Brody)Progress for Hamas is destruction.
Young supporters demonstrate their concern for Israel’s wellbeing. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)
A pair of young women console each other over the loss of life in Israel. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)
An attendee makes a direct point about Hamas. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)
An Israel supporter shows off her solidarity with a face painting. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)