The National Mall in Washington, D.C., was the stage for a memorial rally on October 7, where Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance delivered a stirring speech to several hundred attendees.
The crowd, a mix of Christians, Jews, and those of no faith, united in their support for Vance's remarks on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to Christianity Today, Vance began his speech by acknowledging the diverse faiths represented in the crowd, stating, But we are united in the basic, common-sense principle that we want the good guys to win, and we want the bad guys to lose. And what happened on October the 7th was disgraceful, and we have to fight to make sure it never happens again. The rally was organized by a coalition of 60 organizations, spearheaded by the Philos Project, a group that promotes positive Christian engagement in the Near East.
Vance's 12-minute speech covered a range of topics, from campus protests to antisemitism, American ignorance of Holocaust history, and a call for "peace through strength." His comments were met with a standing ovation, particularly when he asserted that the war would only end when Hamas disarmed and released hostages.
Despite not making any theological arguments, Vance's speech resonated with the Christians in the audience. Joseph McLean, an attendee from Mobile, Alabama, expressed his belief that a Trump-Vance administration would bring about significant changes, particularly in the protection of Israel.
Last month, Trump referred to himself as a big protector of Israel, warning of its potential total annihilation if the other side is elected. Vance echoed this sentiment, urging Americans to reject antisemitism at the ballot box on November 5.
Vance also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris's claim that no US troops are in any war zone around the world, warning of the risk of a massive regional conflict in the Middle East. He accused the Biden administration of inaction in bringing hostages home from Gaza, promising that a future Trump administration would prioritize their return.
The Philos Project described the memorial rally as a bipartisan gathering, although the speeches, including Vance's, leaned rightward. Despite the political leanings, the event was marked by a shared concern for the Israel-Hamas conflict and a collective desire for peace and resolution.
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