The marchers called for the U.S. to back Israel in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which killed 1,200 Israelis last month.
They also protested against a spike in antisemitism since Israel launched a war against Hamas.
Between Oct. 7 and Nov. 7, the Anti-Defamation League recorded 832 antisemitic incidents, a 316 percent increase.
Marchers also held up signs calling for the release of the 239 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) appeared at the march at the National Mall to show support for Israel.
“The United States has always stood with Israel, and we will do everything to say that that never, ever changes,” Schumer told the crowd.
The American Jewish Committee said on X, formerly Twitter, the Tuesday march attracted 300,000 supporters and was “the largest gathering of American Jews ever.”
Officials bolstered security in the city ahead of the march, with the National Park Police, Metropolitan Police Department and National Guard all deployed to assist with security.
But only a small group of counter-protesters showed up, including pro-Palestinian supporters who argued Israel is committing genocide and occupying Palestine territory.
Actress Tovah Feldshuh delivered opening remarks at the rally, calling for a stand against “global antisemitism.”
“As we stand shoulder to shoulder we transform thousands of our yahrzeit candles into one supernova of light,” she said.
Read the full report here.
