Thousands from Philadelphia travel to Washington DC to 'March for Israel'

PHILADELPHIA - It was an early morning for many in Philadelphia as crowds packed several buses ahead of their trip to the nation's capital to show their support for Israel.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia says 18 buses departed from nine different locations around the city, with another 16 set to pick up youth supporters from schools and community centers.

In total, officials say more than 4,000 people from Philadelphia will descend on Washington D.C. to join thousands of other Americans in the "March for Israel."

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"This is tremendously impressive," said Erica Miller with Philly Stands with Israel. "Our movement is way beyond just the Jewish community, because it has to be. This is Americans showing up for American values."

The march took place on the National Mall Tuesday afternoon as demonstrators called for the release of Israeli hostages, and an end to antisemitism, more than a month after Hamas' attack on Israel.

"The rise of antisemitism is happening, but we're here today to say no, we're pushing back and we're here, and we're going to stay," Paul Nebb from Marlborough said.

D.C. Metro Police expected 80-100k to attend Tuesday's march, including big-name stars from Israel and U.S. 

"In these days it can sometimes feel very alone and here being surrounded by community, it's really just blowing me away," Diana Epstein from Philadelphia said.