“We consider it an insult that Benjamin Netanyahu was invited to address both houses of Congress,” Becker said. “Thousands of us will protest not to welcome him.”
Organizers estimated 5,000 people would attend the demonstration on the day of Netanyahu’s address — according to a permit application submitted to the National Park Service.
On Tuesday, the families of the hostages – many traveling from Israel – will gather on the National Mall to share the stories of those captured in the Oct. 7 attack and express hope for their release, said Israeli couple Bar Ben Yaakov and Madan Sivek. In the U.S., the district is leading advocacy efforts for the families of hostages.
“Netanyahu’s visit to the US has added a lot of stress and uncertainty to families,” Yaakov said. “Many of them, including us, hope he goes to America with the good news that he has sealed the deal.”
The protests come after weeks of deadlock over a ceasefire agreement.
When and where are the rallies?
Around 45 relatives of the hostages will gather at the National Mall at 6pm on Tuesday, carrying placards of the remaining prisoners and demanding their release.
On Wednesday, several demonstrations are planned:
- At 10 a.m. in the park between First Street and Delaware Avenue NE, south of Union Station, a Jewish group – T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. arranged A morning prayer to end the war and release all the hostages.
- At 11 a.m., thousands are expected to gather at 3rd Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue to demand Netanyahu’s arrest. Demonstrators will march around the perimeter of the US Capitol holding a red banner as a symbolic “red line” against the war on Gaza. Protesters will travel on buses from several states, including Maine, Indiana, North Carolina and Georgia.
- At noon, UnXeptable, a grassroots organization of Israeli expatriates, will hold a rally in Upper Senate Park to show support for their homeland while criticizing Netanyahu. Offir Gutelzon, founder of the group, who is traveling from Palo Alto, Calif., for the protest, said, “Both love Israel and … believe what Netanyahu is doing to the hostages and most Israelis is wrong.”
- At 1 p.m., a “peace and justice bloc” of Palestinians, Israelis, Jews, Arabs and allies will gather near the U.S. Capitol to demand a cease-fire.
What will be the safety margin?
The U.S. Capitol Police is “working around the clock with our federal, state and local partners” to prepare for Netanyahu’s visit, according to a statement. While the Capitol Police declined to share specific measures being taken to accommodate the expected crowd, the agency said it plans to add more officers, including from outside agencies.
“We expect a large number of demonstrators,” the Capitol Police said in a statement.
DC police spokeswoman Paris Lewbel said in a statement that while there were no threats, the agency was working with federal law enforcement partners to monitor the demonstrations.
Will the streets be closed?
As of Friday evening, DC police had not announced any street closures. Follow along @DCpoliceTraffic At X for the most up-to-date information. Capitol Police said the agency will provide information on road closures and public access to congressional buildings near Netanyahu’s visit.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
