The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: Israel Solidarity Rally commemorates 1 year since Hamas attack at Noma Music Festival

Gamecocks for Israel organized a bi-partisan Israel Solidarity Rally in the Russell House Theater on Oct. 7, 2024. The two-hour rally allowed students, politicians and religious leaders to speak about their experiences since Oct. 7, 2023 and the reasons they support Israel. 

Gamecocks for Israel President, third-year political science major Caroline Finch, listens to a speaker during the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Finch introduced speakers including U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace during the event.
Gamecocks for Israel President, third-year political science major Caroline Finch, listens to a speaker during the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Finch introduced speakers including U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace during the event.
Third-year sport and entertainment management student Ethan Turkel (left) at the Israel Solidarity Rally, hosted by Gamecocks for Israel, listens to speakers recount their experiences as Jewish Americans since Oct. 7, 2023 in Russell House. The event commemorated one year since Oct. 7, 2023 with various speakers, religious leaders and politicians on the program.
Third-year sport and entertainment management student Ethan Turkel (left) at the Israel Solidarity Rally, hosted by Gamecocks for Israel, listens to speakers recount their experiences as Jewish Americans since Oct. 7, 2023 in Russell House. The event commemorated one year since Oct. 7, 2023 with various speakers, religious leaders and politicians on the program.
Jene Ball, a Columbia resident and Pastor at Santee Bible Baptist Church prays during the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel in Russell House on Oct. 7, 2024. One of the messages conveyed by speakers at the rally was one of the Christian unity with the Jewish people. Ball said he has always been very supportive of Israel.
Jene Ball, a Columbia resident and Pastor at Santee Bible Baptist Church prays during the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel in Russell House on Oct. 7, 2024. One of the messages conveyed by speakers at the rally was one of the Christian unity with the Jewish people. Ball said he has always been very supportive of Israel.
Rabbi Sruly leads attendees of the Israel Solidarity Rally, hosted by Gamecocks for Israel, in prayer to open the event on Oct. 7, 2024. Sruly is the director of Rohr Chabad at the University of South Carolina.
Rabbi Sruly leads attendees of the Israel Solidarity Rally, hosted by Gamecocks for Israel, in prayer to open the event on Oct. 7, 2024. Sruly is the director of Rohr Chabad at the University of South Carolina.
Newbury resident Giacomo Knox listens to speakers during the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Knox attended with other members of his Synagogue.
Newbury resident Giacomo Knox listens to speakers during the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Knox attended with other members of his Synagogue.
U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace of S.C. first district speaks to the crowd at the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Congresswoman Mace stated that she is a supportive voice for Israeli Americans in Congress.
U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace of S.C. first district speaks to the crowd at the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Congresswoman Mace stated that she is a supportive voice for Israeli Americans in Congress.
Dr. Josef Olmert, former adjunct professor for the University of South Carolina, listens to speakers during the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Native Israeli and former director of communications for Israel, Dr. Olmert was the founding faculty sponsor for Gamecocks for Israel at USC.
Dr. Josef Olmert, former adjunct professor for the University of South Carolina, listens to speakers during the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Native Israeli and former director of communications for Israel, Dr. Olmert was the founding faculty sponsor for Gamecocks for Israel at USC.
Israeli flags line the stage of the Russell House Theater during the Israel Solidarity Rally on Oct. 7, 2024. Mini Israeli and American flags were distributed, and Columbia resident Bruce Fox brought his own standard size flag that he purchased two months ago, motivated by his love for Israel.
Israeli flags line the stage of the Russell House Theater during the Israel Solidarity Rally on Oct. 7, 2024. Mini Israeli and American flags were distributed, and Columbia resident Bruce Fox brought his own standard size flag that he purchased two months ago, motivated by his love for Israel.
A member of Gamecocks for Israel wears the Star of David amongst pins and stickers, demonstrating support for Israel during the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Members of the student organization Gamecocks for Israel organized and attended the rally in commemoration of the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
A member of Gamecocks for Israel wears the Star of David amongst pins and stickers, demonstrating support for Israel during the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Members of the student organization Gamecocks for Israel organized and attended the rally in commemoration of the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Windsor resident Charles Scalf sings the U.S. National Anthem at the conclusion of the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Scalf attended the rally alongside other members of his church, Calvary Baptist Church.
Windsor resident Charles Scalf sings the U.S. National Anthem at the conclusion of the Israel Solidarity Rally hosted by Gamecocks for Israel on Oct. 7, 2024. Scalf attended the rally alongside other members of his church, Calvary Baptist Church.
Pastor Stephen Williamson of Gethsemane Baptist Church speaks during the Israel Solidarity Rally, hosted by Gamecocks for Israel in Russell House on Oct. 7, 2024. Williamson spoke about Christianity’s origin in Judaism and the importance of Christians supporting Israel.
Pastor Stephen Williamson of Gethsemane Baptist Church speaks during the Israel Solidarity Rally, hosted by Gamecocks for Israel in Russell House on Oct. 7, 2024. Williamson spoke about Christianity’s origin in Judaism and the importance of Christians supporting Israel.
A flyer for the Israel Solidarity Rally hangs outside the Russell House Theater on the day of the rally, Oct. 7, 2024. Police officers were stationed in the area to protect attendees during the two-hour rally.
A flyer for the Israel Solidarity Rally hangs outside the Russell House Theater on the day of the rally, Oct. 7, 2024. Police officers were stationed in the area to protect attendees during the two-hour rally.