On Sunday, Central Park Rally drew hundreds of supporters to Manhattan’s iconic greenspace, rallying for Israeli hostages and standing strong after a terror attack in Boulder, Colorado. Central Park Rally united families, survivors, and advocates in a show of solidarity and defiance.
Former hostage Raz Ben Ami, held captive for 54 days, shared her emotional journey: “I was scared to come … If I survived Gaza, I don’t want nothing to happen to me somewhere else.” But she added, “I’m glad I came and glad to see all those people are coming and they are not afraid,” capturing the spirit of resilience.
Attendees acknowledged a spike in fear following the terror attack in Boulder Colorado, where a firebomb assault wounded 12. Veteran attendee Jeffrey Prez summed it up: “A march like this was raided. We were attacked, and when we get attacked, we show up in more numbers … we want to show that we’re not afraid.” Elana Huber, a business analyst, echoed the sentiment: “No one should be injured or killed for just coming to stand and show solidarity … even just to be there for each other.”
Organizers also used the rally as a memorial for Judi Weinstein and Gad Haggai, Israeli‑Americans killed on Oct. 7 whose remains were recently returned and buried. Event planner Eilon Baer noted that increased safety precautions, prompted by recent antisemitic attacks, underscored the community’s vigilance.
The event, normally held weekly, drew a larger crowd this time as protesters confronted both grief and unwavering hope. It transformed sorrow into solidarity and fear into unity, in the heart of New York City.
