Amid the ongoing conflict in Israel, Massachusetts politicians gathered on Boston Common on Monday to express their unwavering solidarity with the people of Israel. Despite different nuances in their messages, the resounding theme was unity and support for the nation dealing with a wave of violence.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, addressing the crowd, emphasized the deep impact the situation has on the local community. She noted the rich history of Boston Common, which has witnessed countless demonstrations of “grief and outrage” over more than 400 years.
Mayor Wu told MassLive that the people of Boston felt the situation very intensely. As the rally unfolded, violence continued to escalate in Israel, with an estimated 900 casualties by midday Monday, including at least 11 Americans, according to the U.S. State Department. Additionally, around 150 people, including children, were taken as hostages into Gaza, Israeli authorities reported.
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, in her speech, asserted unequivocal opposition to terrorism and expressed unwavering support for Israel. She emphasized the importance of standing with Israel during this time of crisis.
Governor Maura Healey highlighted the reciprocal relationship between Massachusetts and Israel, recalling how Israeli trauma teams assisted Boston’s medical professionals during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. She affirmed that Massachusetts stands with Israel, just as Israel has stood with Massachusetts in its darkest hours.
Notably, speakers at the rally acknowledged that the attack against Israel came roughly five years after the deadliest antisemitic act on American soil, the tragic murders at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue.
U.S. Senator Ed Markey, despite facing vocal opposition from the crowd when he called for a de-escalation of the conflict, stressed the need to combat the rising wave of antisemitism in the United States. He urged the importance of ensuring that Jewish friends are never taken for granted and that antisemitism is confronted in the U.S., even during times of conflict.
U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss, who, in part, responded to Markey’s comments during his own speech, emphasized the personal and deeply emotional nature of the conflict, stating that “the war, for so many of us, is not just a geopolitical matter but a deeply personal matter.”
Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg highlighted the commonalities between Israel and the United States, describing Tel Aviv as “Boston with more sunshine” and emphasizing the shared attributes of the people.
Despite the differing tones and perspectives expressed, the gathering of Massachusetts politicians on Boston Common underlined a collective resolve to stand by Israel during these challenging times, acknowledging the shared values and history between the two nations.
