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From protest to peace: A journey of faith in Washington, DC – opinion

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From protest to peace: A journey of faith in Washington, DC – opinion


We arrived at the protest rally just before the 11 a.m. start time. There weren’t many people there, and those who were, despite waving Palestinian flags, were more interested in shouting abuse at the assembled police officers and chanting about domestic American issues.

Then we realized that this wasn’t the main protest, but rather one of dozens of smaller rallies happening all over central Washington, DC last week, ostensibly to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress. What followed was three hours of walking through a dystopian hell, with masked youths chanting for Israel’s destruction, middle-aged men carrying swastikas, and young Americans screaming for an intifada on the streets of the US and Israel. A veritable sea of hate that threatened to swallow us whole.

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We eventually made it to our hotel, and to the reason we were in DC: a conference of 250 young Christians arranged by the pro-Israel Christian organization, Passages. Often referred to as the “Christian Birthright,” Passages has for the last decade been bringing busloads of American college kids on 10-day trips to Israel to learn about the origins of their faith, as well as the story of modern Israel and the wider Middle East.

Now, with tourism to Israel in tatters because of the war, they pivoted and arranged this conference, in the seat of the American government – Washington, DC. What followed was four days of fellowship, learning together, touring the DC’s monuments, visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, celebrating a traditional Shabbat dinner with an Orthodox rabbi, and much more. 

It was a privilege to be invited, and to have the opportunity to teach about Israel, to such an eager audience. Everyone agreed with the sentiment of “Next year in Jerusalem,” and I know that many of the friends I made here in DC will be visiting the Holy Land as soon as they can. I was strengthened by their prayers for my family and for our brave soldiers, and heartened by their dedication to Israel in the face of such opposition. 

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Demonstrators gather outside of the Israeli Embassy to demand for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip in Washington DC, March 2, 2024. (credit: (Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images))

The most impactful part of the trip was undoubtedly the final morning, when the siblings of two hostages, Or Levy and Romi Leshem-Gonen, shared the story of their loved ones. Our group are all lovers of Israel, and all know about the hostages, but I saw on their faces that this encounter will change them for the rest of their lives. 

Unity in prayer

After the meeting, we walked together to the National Mall. We were a group of 250 young American Christians, a smattering of Israelis such as myself, my colleague Joanna Peled, and these two brave and broken hostage families. 

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We prayed together, in English, Hebrew, and Spanish (there were some representatives from a Spanish-speaking church in Texas). We prayed for peace, for reconciliation, and of course, for the hostages to return home, now! 

I couldn’t help shedding tears of hope as we all sang “Hatikvah,” and prayed for the peace of Jerusalem. As our cries rang out loud and clear, I recalled that three days earlier the hatred and violence of the anti-Israel protest hung heavily on the air. Today, I reveled that I was on the right side of history. It was just love, peace, pain, and humanity. 

The writer, a tour guide and educator, lives in Tzur Hadassah with his family.

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Woman shot in Northeast DC, MPD searching for male suspect

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Woman shot in Northeast DC, MPD searching for male suspect


A woman was shot in Northeast D.C. on Sunday afternoon, and police are searching for the gunman.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said Fourth District officers were called to the 5700 block of Second Street, Northeast, around 1:46 p.m. for reports of a shooting.

When officers arrived, they found an adult woman conscious and breathing after being shot.

SEE ALSO | Physical punishment allegations continue at DC Public Schools

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DC Fire and EMS paramedics took her to a nearby hospital for treatment. Her condition has not been released.

Police issued a lookout for the suspected shooter, described as a Black man with a gray beard, medium complexion, heavy build, wearing a gray hoodie. He was last seen in a black Mercedes.

Anyone with information is asked to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.

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This is a developing story, and it will be updated as more information becomes available.



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Nevada’s first Capitol Christmas Tree ‘Silver Belle’ arrives in Washington D.C.

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Nevada’s first Capitol Christmas Tree ‘Silver Belle’ arrives in Washington D.C.


LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Nevada’s first-ever Capitol Christmas Tree arrived in Washington D.C. today, marking a historic milestone for the Silver State.

The 53-foot-tall red fir, named “Silver Belle,” comes from an area just east of Lake Tahoe. The tree will be displayed on the West Lawn of the Capitol throughout the holiday season.

Silver Belle will feature hand-made ornaments created by Nevada schools, adding a personal touch from students across the state to this national display.

Watch a timelapse of the Christmas Tree raising

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Timelapse of U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from Nevada


This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.





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The Weekend Scene: Downtown Holiday Market and more to do around DC, through Nov. 23

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The Weekend Scene: Downtown Holiday Market and more to do around DC, through Nov. 23


Happy “Wicked: For Good” opening weekend! After you see the movie, let your stan flag fly with drink specials, trivia and karaoke – there’s even a one-day choir where singers can channel their inner Ariana Grande or Cynthia Erivo. Check out our roundup here.

Swap your pink and green for yellow to cheer on the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League championship Saturday night. Watch parties will be happening at Franklin Hall, metrobar and across the Spirit Bar Network.

Grocery shopping, traveling and/or welcoming family into town might be your focus on the last weekend before Thanksgiving, but make some time to enjoy festive fun all over the D.C. area.

  • Weekend weather: The weekend might start with rain before the weather takes a turn for the better. Here’s the forecast.

D.C. highlights

Downtown Holiday Market
Nov. 21 to Dec. 23, F Street NW (between 7th and 9th streets), free entry
🔗 Details

Browse dozens of vendors while picking up gifts for everyone on your nice list.

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The market is right outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, so why not check out some art before shopping?

Family-friendly
ZooLights
Nov. 21 to Jan. 3, National Zoo, $9
🔗 Details

The National Zoo was closed for weeks during the government shutdown, but ZooLights is happening, and it’s opening on time. You can visit Friday, Saturday and Sunday, plus more days into the new year. Read more and see the full list of ZooLights dates here.

“Our team has been working around the clock to make ZooLights happen,” the National Zoo’s Director of Business Operations, Nikki Mounts, said.

The shutdown is gone, and Zoo Lights is on. News4’s Tommy McFly has a preview of the National Zoo’s annual holiday attraction.

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One million environmentally friendly LED twinkle lights and more than 100 animal lanterns await visitors as they wind down the zoo’s main walkway, dotted with scenes of rainforests, deserts and pandas.

We suggest buying tickets in advance for this popular event.

D.C.’s free Umbrella Art Fair returns for its fifth year. News4’s Eun Yang talks with one of the organizers about what to expect.

Free & family-friendly
Umbrella Art Fair
Fri. to Sun., The Square at International Square (1850 K St NW)
🔗 Details

One of the biggest showings of art is back again, showcasing more than 100 artists’ work across over 35,000 square feet in downtown D.C. Expect to see work by Autumn Spears, Rose Jaffe, Alex Solis, Tracie Ching, Jessie and Katey, Tom Kim (aka Death by Narwhals) and more.

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It’s the Umbrella Art Fair’s fifth year. It will be open to the public 6-10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Family-friendly
Washington Harbour Ice Rink opens
Opens Thurs., Georgetown Waterfront, $9-$11 admission, $7 skate rental
🔗 Details

One of D.C.’s most scenic ice rinks is back for the winter season! Glide near the Georgetown waterfront until 8:30 p.m. on work nights and 10:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and during winter break (Dec. 22-31).

The rink is even open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s (check holiday hours on their website).

Want to make a day of it? We shared suggestions on what to do nearby in this edition of The Weekend Scene newsletter.

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Maryland highlights

Family-friendly
LuminoCity’s Wonder Journey holiday lights festival
Through Jan. 1, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, peak admission, including taxes and fees, costs $33.47 (child)/$40.23 (adult)
🔗 Details

Step into a wintery fairy tale filled with lights spanning 12 acres. Don’t miss the red heart slide in the “Alice in Wonderland” zone.

Beyond the lights, you can visit dozens of roaring life-size dinosaurs, boogie on an LED dance floor or dig for fossils. You can also pay extra for train rides, a safari dig and a bounce zone.

Free & family-friendly
Holiday Share Fair
Sat., Black Hill Discovery Center in Boyds
🔗 Details

An old coat that’s too small? Boots you just don’t wear? A board game you’ve outgrown? If you’re decluttering before the holidays or looking for winter gear on a budget (i.e. FREE!), we’ve got the spot.

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Imagine a trunk-or-treat for adults where “Givers” are invited to dress up their tables of fun finds.

Family-friendly
Festival of Lights – Bikes and Lights
Sun., in Upper Marlboro, $5
🔗 Details

Put a unique spin on your holiday lights tradition by biking through the enchanting displays in Watkins Regional Park.

This display with thousands of bulbs is usually a drive-through experience, so biking by will be extra special.

Virginia highlights

Free & family-friendly
Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa
Sat., 6-8 p.m., near Alexandria City Hall (301 King St.)
🔗 Details

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Take a stroll down King Street to Market Square for Alexandria’s tree lighting ceremony, which is expected to begin at or shortly after 6:40 p.m., followed by live music.

Make sure to stick around to watch Santa roll in on the King Street Trolley! Mr. and Mrs. Claus will greet families until 8 p.m.

Alexandria Cider Festival
Sat., Lloyd House (220 N. Washington St.), $55 or $25 for designated drivers
🔗 Details

Sample cider, enjoy live music and join in on tavern games at the Llyod House in Old Town. It’s a great opportunity to explore the historic Georgian house, one of five such buildings that still exist in Alexandria.

Concerts this weekend

Robyn Hitchcock, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, The Atlantis, $45.30

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Listen to your elders. The Bob Dylan of alternative rock first made the scene in the ‘70s with psychedelic folk rock cult heroes The Soft Boys. Since then, with the Egyptians and later on as a solo act, the British singer/songwriter spent decades delighting fans with his surreal lyrics brimming with biting wit, as well as his esoteric stage banter. Not the artist to tell to shut up and play. In song and shtick, his storytelling is welcome and deserving of audience attention. Details.

Die Spitz, 7:30 Thursday, Black Cat, $26.40

Austin, Texas, quartet takes a wild and heavy approach to rock ‘n’ roll, leaning toward punk but too varied to pigeonhole. All things heavy — and wild. Band members trade instruments and share vocal responsibilities, with even the drummer getting out from behind the kit to take her turn at the mic. Their high-energy live shows will find them hanging from the rafters. Matching that energy — potentially upstaging it — North Carolina queer punk band Babe Haven opens. Details.

The OBGMs, 8 p.m. Thursday, Pie Shop, $21.44 (advance)/$24.54 (day of)

The Toronto punks’ music is thrilling, in your face and thought provoking. Their last two LPs — moving toward more accessible alternative rock — were shortlisted for Canada’s Polaris Prize. Details.

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Silvana Estrada, 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 Club, $45.30

Mexican singer/songwriter with a gorgeous, gently fluttering voice. The folk music of her country prevails, but her modern take is informed by many other styles. Her vocals need no translation to convey the emotion in her songwriting. Details.

American Analog Set, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Miracle Theatre, $40

This indie band from ‘90s Austin, Texas, shuffled along at the pace of Yo La Tengo’s mellow moods while involving the krautrock of Stereolab and post rock similar to that of The Sea and Cake and even decelerating into slowcore. They call this set “Magic Hour,” consisting of songs from their original run of six albums. (The band took another 18 years to release a seventh LP in 2023.) Details.

More to do in D.C.

Frosted at Franklin Park: Nov. 21 to Jan. 7, downtown D.C., free

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Concert – Sir Chloe: Fri., Lincoln Theatre

Punk Rock Flea: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church, free entry

DowntownDC Holiday Market: Nov. 21 to Dec. 23, F Street NW, free entry

Theater – “ho ho ho ha ha ha ha” with Julia Masli: Through Dec. 21, Woolly Mammoth, $49

Theater – “Hadestown”: Through Sun., National Theatre

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More to do in Maryland

Montgomery County Thanksgiving parade: Sat., 10 a.m., Silver Spring, free

Thanksgiving coaster craft: Sat., Brentwood Arts Exchange, free

Pyramid Atlantic Art Center 10×10 art sale: Nov. 22 opening reception, on view through Jan. 4, Hyattsville, free entry

Movies on the Potomac – “The Grinch”: Sun., 2 p.m., National Harbor, free

More to do in Virginia

Pet Nights With Santa: Mondays from Nov. 17 to Dec. 8., Tysons Corner Center lower level, free

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Buffalo Plaid Christmas Wreath Workshop: Thurs., 6 p.m., Ono Brewing Company in Chantilly, $67 per person

Herndon Turkey Trot 5k: Sat., 4 p.m., Herndon Community Center, $25-$45

Alexandria Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa: Sat., 6-8 p.m., near Alexandria City Hall (301 King St.), free

Alexandria Cider Festival: Sat., Lloyd House (220 N. Washington St.), $55 or $25 for designated drivers

Winter Lantern Festival: Opens Thurs., Tysons, $18.99-$25.99

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