LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Israeli-American Council is hosting a rally in front of the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on Sunday night.
"Bring them home now," a poster for the rally says. "Stand with Israel and show your support."
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The event aimed to draw attention to individuals, including babies, women, the elderly, men, and soldiers currently held captive in Gaza. Rally organizers stressed their determination to make a global statement, advocating for the prompt and secure return of these individuals.
Displaying poignant symbolism, strollers with images of child hostages underlined the severity of the situation.
People from various parts of the valley and around the world came together as one.
“Bring Them Home” Rally supporting Israel happening now outside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas @KTNV pic.twitter.com/pnD1bYrT13
— Isabella Martin (@isareports) October 30, 2023
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Eli Beer, a visitor from Israel, recounted his experience volunteering as an EMS responder on October 7, the day of the Hamas attack.
“I was with thousands of volunteers who were rescuing people from the harrows. We saw the worst of the worst you can even imagine. You see little babies that were beheaded and burned. You see mothers that were torn apart from their children and the mothers saw their kids getting killed, murdered,” Beer said.
Beer's presence in Las Vegas was part of a two-day mission to engage with Senators and Republican candidates. He sought to convey the horrors he had witnessed and emphasize the universal significance of the Israeli tragedy, urging proactive measures to ensure the safety and return of kidnapped children.
Beer is set to return home on Monday, where he will rejoin the ambulance service and collaborate with the United Hatzalah volunteers in their ongoing efforts to save lives.
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“I'm going straight back to the ambulance, straight back to my people, the United Hatzalah volunteers. I'm going straight back to them and I'm going to help save more lives.”
For the latest developments on Beer and his mission, visit IsraelRescue.org.
Rallies like ones held in Las Vegas are being held across the United States. On Friday, at least 200 people were detained, with some reports suggesting up to 300, as a massive crowd protested at New York's Grand Central Terminal. Scripps News said demonstrators were calling for an immediate end to airstrikes as Israel said it was expanding a ground incursion in the Palestinian territories.
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The death toll has now crossed 8,000 and the UN said they believe there is a breakdown of public order. Over the weekend, thousands of people broke into aid warehouses in Gaza to take flour and basic hygiene products. According to the UN, more than 1.4 million people across Gaza have fled their homes since the war began.
Gaza's only power plant shut down after the start of the war and Israel has allowed no fuel to enter, saying Hamas would use it for military purposes. According to the UN, hospitals are struggling to keep emergency generators running to operate incubators and other life-saving equipment.
Over the weekend, 60 Minutes spoke to Vice President Kamala Harris about the situation. She said the U.S. has "absolutely no intention nor do we have any plans to send combat troops into Israel or Gaza."
She also added that is important to not automatically connect Palestinian people to Hamas.
"A terrorist organization, Hamas, slaughtered hundreds of young people at a concert. By most estimates, at least 1,400 Israelis are dead. Israel, without any question, has a right to defend itself. That being said, it is very important that there be no conflation between Hamas and the Palestinians," Harris said. "The Palestinians deserve equal measures of safety and security, self-determination and dignity, and we have been very clear that the rules of war must be adhered to and that there be humanitarian aid that flows."
Earlier this month, President Joe Biden pledged $100 million in humanitarian assistance. He said the funds will be provided through U.S. partners that includes United Nations agencies and international non-governmental organizations that the U.S. considers to be "trusted."
