On the morning of the rally, most HANC students woke up at some time around 5:30. Something was different about this day, everybody could sense it. Walking outside that morning, there was a chill in the air. Before getting onto the bus, students grabbed a white and gray Israel hoodie which the school had provided. A long ride awaited them. Their bags were packed with chargers, meals and snacks galore, but the only thing they cared about when getting on the bus was finding the most comfortable position to sleep.
After hours of listening to music and talking with friends, the buses made it to Washington, D.C. When they got off the bus and felt the perfect weather, the students felt a sense of relief. They each received a metrocard and began walking to the station. The walk was full of Israeli flags and proud Jews singing in the streets. Once they reached the train station, the students took the train to the National Mall.
Arriving at the rally, there was an overwhelming excitement. The students had finally arrived at the site where they would make history, the site where hundreds and thousands of Jews would gather in support of Israel. The speeches were powerful and emotional, being spoken by family members of the hostages, touching the hearts of many in the crowd. Many students expressed that the most meaningful moment was standing with their arms around friends listening to two popular Israeli singers, Ishai Ribo and Omer Adam, sing about the strength and power of G-d and that He will eventually save Am Yisrael.
The journey back to the buses involved walking and taking the metro again. The ride back was brutal and long. Students were tired after a long day; many drifted to sleep. After hours the buses arrived back at the school for dinner. At 11:30 PM, the students munched on chicken fingers, fries and sandwiches from Carlos and Gabbies. While feeling extremely exhausted, students went home feeling proud as they stood for Israel and made history for the Jewish people.