BEACHWOOD, Ohio — In our nation's capitol, preparations are being made for a large pro-Israel rally scheduled to take place on the National Mall Tuesday.
Erika Rudin Luria, president of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, told 3News Monday afternoon that had 25 buses ready to go.
She said there were 1,742 people coming from the Cleveland area. Those buses left Northeast Ohio after midnight on their way to DC.
NBC's Brie Jackson tells 3News it's estimated the rally will include up to 100,000 people.
The rally itself is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
"The march is about the different things — one, we stand with Israel against terror; two, release the hostages [being held by Hamas] now; and three, Jew hatred, antisemitism, has no place in this country."
Since the war between Israel and Hamas began, antisemitism has been on the rise, including here in Greater Cleveland. The latest incident occurred in Brooklyn, where a Jewish cemetery was vandalized with swastikas.
Police have increased their presence at the cemetery, and security will be tight in Washington as thousands plan to march for Israel. The Rally begins at 1 p.m., but the doors open at 10 a.m., with the Cleveland group leaving at midnight and making the round trip in 24 hours.