19 Jan Moral Clarity in Supporting Israel 🇮🇱🇺🇸

We recently passed the 100-day mark of the horrific terrorist attack, murders, sexual atrocities, and kidnappings of Israeli citizens by Hamas. Israeli efforts to destroy this terrorist organization and safely recover their hostages continue, while others in America reflect on this tragedy and are coming to grips with a new wave of antisemitism in the U.S. and around the globe. This new calendar year allowed for a moment of reflection, and I thought back to my attendance at a historic rally in Washington, DC, supporting Israel in early November.

I am Jewish, a former member of the U.S. military, one who worked with the Israeli Defense Force on multiple occasions in the Middle East and maintains contact with many friends in Israel. Going to large, public rallies is not in my comfort zone. In fact, in the past, I’ve chosen not to participate in such rallies until this event. This was different. It was an important physical demonstration of Right vs. Wrong. And I was honored to escort Holocaust Survivor and United States Naval Academy Class of 1961 member, Benno Gerson, to the rally site on the Capital Mall. 

A few thoughts from that event: 

There was welcome bipartisan solidarity from House and Senate political leaders to Support Israel, Free Hostages, and Fight Antisemitism.

• Unlike vicious pro-Hamas lunacy occurring on College Campuses and in many cities, this rally was a respectful event. No violence. No flag stomping. No sign ripping. No screaming. No tantrums. No participant’s identity hidden by a face scarf. No vandalism.
• There was impressive security and organization from event planners, Park Police, Private Security, and D.C. Law Enforcement. Benno and I had an in extremis “Force Protection Plan” but did not need to execute it.
• It is always good to see Jewish War Veterans Of The USA and NYPD Shomrim Society members.
• Outstanding nationwide participation from a variety of Jewish Groups, especially students
• Attendance was estimated at 200,000+, perhaps the largest pro-Israel demonstration in U.S. history! Sadly, coverage of the event did not make the front page of Wednesday’s local Washington Post.

Am Yisrael Chai (The People of Israel Live) 

– Rear Admiral Paul Becker, USN (Ret) is a motivational and national security keynote speaker. He is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Naval Academy’s “Friends of the Jewish Chapel” and the CEO of The Becker T3 Group. To connect with Paul, visit his website: https://TheBeckerT3Group.com