PORTLAND, Ore. — A group of about 40 people from Portland are going to a major rally in Washington D.C. next week to support Israel in the Israel-Hamas war.
“We have to do this; that’s how I feel. It doesn’t make sense we’re spending all this money, traveling and not sleeping, but it does make sense because we have to stand up for what we believe in," said Meira Spivak, who estimated the number of people who attending the protest, as of now.
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Spivak, director of Oregon NCSY — an organization for Jewish teenagers — said a 'March for Israel' in the nation’s capital is a call for the safe return of the hostages held by Hamas and a stand against antisemitism.
"This trip was started by teens, and then, all the parents said we want to come too," she said. "I think everybody just feels they have to be there to support Israel; Israel was attacked, Israel has the right to defend herself, and we all need to stand up for good."
Meanwhile, local efforts in support of Israel continue. A group of people prepared for a bake sale fundraiser in Southwest Portland on Friday, making various breads and treats.
Spivak said efforts like this bake sale show how steadfast the Portland Jewish community is, committed to finding ways to help.
“Originally, when this whole thing happened everyone was just in shock, collecting money, raising funds," she said. "But now, it’s over a month later, and I don’t feel like the activism has dropped. We go from one activity to the next — a bake sale, setting up tables today to represent hostages that are missing. We cannot rest."
Gitit Dekel Stein, an Israeli woman who moved to Portland four years ago and now facilitates for the Israeli American Council (IAC) Eitanim leadership program, said she's broken by the violence in her home country. She has multiple family ties to people in the Israeli military.
"Israel is fighting terrorism and needs all the support," Dekel Stein said. "We have over 230 Israeli and American citizens kidnapped, and we want to bring them back. We're fighting for them."
Speaking about the young people who are planning to go to D.C., she said they are rallying 'for humanity.'
"This is the generation that needs to be invested the most, that will represent their Jewish future in the U.S. and their communities," she said. "We have to invest in their leadership, entrepreneurship, and I hope we can do it together."