(Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images) A man carries two Israeli flags during a pro-Israel rally outside of the Israeli Embassy on October 8, 2023, in Washington, DC. The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday launched a surprise attack on Israel from Gaza by land, sea, and air, killing hundreds of people and wounding thousands more. Israeli soldiers and civilians have also been kidnapped by Hamas and taken into Gaza, according to published reports. The attack prompted a declaration of war by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and ongoing retaliatory strikes by Israel on Gaza killing hundreds.

The Jewish community in the US federal capital has gathered for a pro-Israel rally on Friday (October 13) at Washington DC's Freedom Plaza near the White House.

Local media reported that the rally went on despite Hamas's call to pro-Palestine protesters to take to the streets and end what they called an Israeli "occupation."

The rally was organized by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington (JCRC), ABC DC affiliate WJLA reported.

Read Also: US Defense Secretary Austin Visits Israel, Promises Washington's Help

Standing for Israel in DC

The event is expected to demonstrate immense support of the American Jewish community for Israel after roughly 1,200 Israelis were murdered and an estimated 150 civilians and soldiers taken hostage since Hamas first attacked less than a week ago.

Among the guests who spoke at the rally were DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Several ambassadors, federal lawmakers, and religious and other community leaders have spoken their support for Israel and their condemnation of Hamas.

One Muslim woman also spoke at the rally, condemning Hamas for using the name of Allah in committing atrocities.

Related Article: 'Day of Rage' Overview: Cities Worldwide on Edge as Hamas Urges Palestine Supporters to Protest