YOUNGSTOWN -  A delegation led by the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation boarded a bus Tuesday morning to join other federations and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations at a March for Israel in Washington D.C.

The event, which will be held later in the day on the National Mall, is meant to show support for Israel, demand the release of hostages, and stand up against anti-Semitism - especially in America.

"Since the horrific attacks on Oct. 7, antisemitism is on the rise," said Andrew Lipkin, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation CEO. "We can't let this continue unchecked. Now's the time to take a stand and make our voices heard. Hundreds of hostages captured by Hamas are still missing. They can't use their voices to speak out and demand freedom, but we can."

This event follows a similar protest held by Palestinian activists in response to the ongoing retaliation by Israel on the Gaza Strip. 

The Ministry of Health in Ramallah says more than 10,000 Palestinians have died in the military campaign launched in response by Israel.

On Oct. 7, Israel was attacked by terror group HAMAS, which led to the loss of 1,400 lives and more than 200 civilians taken as hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy the terror group.