Amidst this carnivallike atmosphere however, there burned a very serious issue: the escalating violence in the Middle East and what many in the Jewish community believe to be a direct correlation in the increasing hatred and criticism of the Jewish state. One speaker explained that "countries who cherish their freedom have a right to protect that freedom." U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon (R-7th District) also spoke, explaining that the very fabric of our society relies on Israel's ability to defend itself against those groups terrorizing them and those countries that allow it. "They have the right to defend themselves just like we would if we were attacked."

The prevailing mood was one of reserved optimism for quick and successful military operations. Rabbi Yakov Couzens, attending after a recent visit to Jerusalem, said, "The feeling there is the same as here. Overall everyone is optimistic and just wants the army to get in and out as quickly as possible — to get the job done and be through with it."

The rally did not, however, meet without opposition. A small group of protesters, mostly in their early 20s, crowded around the exterior of the park until they realized their message could be better served directed at the TV camera crew on 15th Street. Alissa Wise, who is Jewish and studying to become a rabbi, was there protesting because, she said, "The state of Israel says that their actions are in the name of Jews everywhere, but that's not the consensus. Israel doesn't act in all our names — the Jewish Federation isn't acting in all our names by holding this rally. This is just fueling a whole other generation of Lebanese to hate Israel."