Wave of protests and rallies highlight tensions in U.S. as Israel-Hamas war persists

Amna Nawaz:

Over the last two months, hundreds of thousands of Americans have come together in both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rallies and vigils. The vast majority have been peaceful, but some have turned violent or included antisemitic or Islamophobic threats.

Laura Barron-Lopez reports.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

Last night, protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and police clashed outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Lawmakers, including top House Democrats, we're evacuated from a fund-raiser after protesters blocked exits to the building. According to U.S. Capitol Police, one person was arrested for assaulting a police officer and six officers were injured.

Yesterday, law enforcement said on social media that 150 people were — quote — "illegally and violently protesting." But rally-goers, led by a coalition of groups including Jewish Voice for Peace Action and IfNotNow Movement, another American Jewish organization, say police initiated the confrontation.

Dani Noble, Jewish Voice for Peace Action: We were met with police officers pulling people, including folks that I was alongside with, down the stairs, met with pepper spray to the face, met with actions that led to concussion.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

Last night's demonstration is the latest in a series of mostly peaceful pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli rallies that have rippled across the country since Hamas killed some 1,200 Israelis on October 7.

On Tuesday, tens of thousands gathered on the National Mall to show support for Israel and condemn antisemitism.

Yonina Keschner, Protester:

It's just really important to show that we are standing together, we are remaining strong, despite any threats.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

Israel's President Isaac Herzog addressed attendees through a video link.

Isaac Herzog, Israeli President:

As president of the state of Israel, I vow to you from Jerusalem, from the Kotel that we will heal. We will rise again, and we will rebuild.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

The rally was intended to bridge political and religious divides, with leaders from both parties and different faiths addressing the crowds.

Pastor John Hagee, Christians United for Israel: We pray for the people of Israel and the leaders of Israel.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

But the inclusion of controversial televangelist John Hagee drew criticism. Hagee says he supports Israel, but he also has a record of antisemitic statements.

Pastor John Hagee:

Then God sent a hunter. A hunter is someone who comes with a gun, and he forces you. Hitler was a hunter. And the Bible said, Jeremiah writing, they shall hunt them.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

Earlier this month, pro-Palestinian crowds rallied outside the White House, calling for an immediate cease-fire.

Mahmoud Abunasser, Protester:

People are getting killed every minute, which is a very sad thing to see, humans die, with no wrong that they're doing. It's just that they happen that they live where the missile hits.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

And, yesterday, at Columbia University, hundreds of students and faculty protested an administration decision to suspend two pro-Palestinian student groups through the end of the semester.

Daraliza Avila Chevalier, College Student:

The university should be taking a stance to protect speech and protect the right of faculty and students to address these issues in an open and frank way.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

The university said it suspended the groups after they violated university policies relating to campus events, including threatening rhetoric.

While most rallies have not been violent, a November 5 protest in a Los Angeles suburb turned deadly. Paul Kessler, a 69-year-old Jewish man, died after an altercation with a pro-Palestinian protester, according to California authorities. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office today announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with Kessler's death.

For the "PBS NewsHour," I'm Laura Barron-Lopez.