What is the purpose of the Rally?
Who will be attending the rally?
Where is the Rally Taking Place?
Will there be security?
What time should I be there?
How old do you have to be to come to the rally?
How do I get to the Rally?
Is the rally going to be accessible for those with special needs?
Will the Israel NOW Solidarity Rally be broadcast?
If I am bringing a busload of people from my community, whom should I contact?
Will there be big TV screens?
Can we bring signs and banners of our organization?
Is there a flier or e-mail that I can pass along to my friends to encourage them to attend? Is there a rain date? Or should I just bring an umbrella?
I will not be able to attend the rally, but want to show my support for Israel.
How do I find out if my community has made arrangements to attend the rally?
Will I be able to get food at the rally and will it be kosher?
Where should we park?
What is the purpose of the Rally?
There are multiple themes connected to the Israel NOW Solidarity Rally. It will be an opportunity for North American Jews to stand together with Israel and its people during this critical period. It will send a message to the world that the Jewish people are in Israel to stay, and a message to the United States government to continue its strong support of Israel.
Israelis are dealing with an overwhelming sense of diminished personal safety - for themselves, for their children, for their communities. Plus the economic situation is de-stabilizing. The resilience and tenacity of the Israeli people are being tested. And so are we.
Their pain is our pain; their loss, our loss; their fears, our fears. Our responses are not political; they are human. We go to Israel. We keep Israel in our prayers. We educate, advocate, and provide financial support and we still need to do more. That’s what the rally is about.
Who will be attending the rally?Anyone and everyone who cares about Israel. Anyone and everyone who has ever walked the streets of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or Haifa and knows and loves the sights and sounds and smells of this country this homeland. Anyone and everyone - Jews and non-Jews - who longs for peace. There will be representatives of the major centers of influence and power, including government officials from the United States and Israel, citizens from every walk of life, religious groups, and many others all united in a show of solidarity with the people of Israel.
Where is the Rally Taking Place?
The Israel NOW Solidarity Rally will be held in close proximity to the United Nations Headquarters and the Israeli consulate. One may enter the rally from 47th Street north until 57th Street and from Third Avenue or from First Avenue.
Will there be security?
The organizers of the rally are working closely with local, state and Federal law enforcement agencies for the safety of all participants.
What time should I be there? And how long will it last?
The rally officially begins at 1:00 p.m. And is schedule to run until 3:00. There will be music starting at noon. Get there early. A large crowd is expected.
How old do you have to be to come to the rally?
The rally is for everyone including children and adults of all ages. Strollers and wheelchairs will be allowed. But please note that there will be no general seating and people will have to stand for an extended period of time.
How do I get to the Rally?
There are many ways to get to the rally. We have set up a separate section based on the area from which you are traveling. Click here for directions.
Communities throughout North America
Local Federations throughout North America will be sending delegations to the Solidarity Rally. Please contact the Federation coordinator at your local Federation through JewishFinder. If you are a group traveling as a delegation please note that all buses must be registered through the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York 212-983-4800 x 160.
If you would like to take public transportation there are a number of options for travel to New York City. Please visit these websites or contact the ticket agents for times and tickets
US Airways & US Airways Shuttle
Delta & Delta Shuttle
Amtrak
Greyhound
Is the rally going to be accessible for those with special needs?
Wheelchair Accessibility
A section will be reserved for rally participants with special needs. Please continue to check this section for updates about this arrangement. For those that use a wheelchair there are a number of ways to get to the rally by public transportation. The following stations and trains in the vicinity of the rally are wheelchair accessible: Lexington Av/63 St- Orange S (new line); Grand Central Station/42nd Street- 4, 5 & 6 train; and 51 St/Lexington Ave- 6 train. Please be sure to call the 1-800-734-6772 to assure the availability of elevators and escalators in that location. For additional information, visit the Customers With Special Needs section of the MTA.
Signing
There will be a special section for hearing impaired individuals. Please e-mail israelnow@ujc.org if you require a place in this area.
Will there be big TV screens, so we will be able to know what’s going on, even if we are not close to the podium?
Large video jumbotrons and sound towers are strategically being placed every few blocks, so wherever you are standing you will see and hear what is happening on the main stage.
Will the Israel NOW Solidarity Rally be broadcast?
Arrangements are in the planning stages for federations to receive a satellite broadcast of the rally. But please know it won’t be the same as being there and it won’t send the same message. Call your local federation for details.
If I am bringing a busload of people from my community, whom should I contact?
All chartered buses will receive a parking spot by registering each bus with the JCRC of NY (212-983-4800 x 160). If you would like a registration form please contact the JCRC of NY or download the form by clicking here.
Can we bring signs and banners of our organization?
Absolutely. Signs and banners with messages of support for the people of Israel are encouraged. But please note that police and security officers will confiscate any signs, placards, and banners attached to sticks. Sticks are not allowed.
Is there a flier or e-mail that I can pass along to my friends to encourage them to attend?
Yes. There are a number of ways to distribute information about the Rally. Click here for more details.
Is there a rain date? Or should I just bring an umbrella?
The Israel NOW Solidarity Rally will be held come rain or shine. We are expecting tens of thousands of individuals so check out www.weather.com in the 10028 zip code and dress for the occasion. In the event of rain, wear a poncho or raincoat and a hat. Umbrellas will block the view of the people behind you. In the event that it is hot please be sure to bring water.
I will not be able to attend the rally, but want to show my support for Israel.
There are many ways you can show your support for Israel, including sending letters to your elected officials or Israeli families, organizing local activities about Israel, or by visiting Israel. Click here for some ideas.
How do I find out if my community has made arrangements to attend the rally?Many of the 189 Federated communities and national Jewish organizations are sending delegations to the rally. Contact your local Jewish Federation to join this historic event. Click here for a listing of the Federation in your area.
Will I be able to get food at the rally and will it be kosher?
There are restaurants, stores and markets along Second Avenue that will be open. Click here for a listing of kosher establishments in the area.
Where should we park?
We encourage participants to take public transportation in and around the city. Click here for public transportation options. A number of major events will be held in Manhattan that day. Therefore finding parking will be difficult.