Amid Hanukkah And War, 'Rally For Israel' Scheduled In Indio

INDIO, CA — Since the Israel-Hamas war began Oct. 7, there have been rallies in the Coachella Valley — some pro-Palestinian, others in support of Israel.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, a "Rally for Israel" is scheduled in Indio that will call on Hamas to release all hostages captured Oct. 7.

The rally set for 12:30 p.m. at Destiny Church, 80250 Highway 111, is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Desert and the Israeli-American Council. Destiny Church and StandWithUs — which calls itself an international nonpartisan educational organization that supports Israel and fights antisemitism — are hosting the event.

Indio Mayor Lupe Ramos Amith is billed as the rally's keynote speaker. The event's featured speakers are Pastor Nate of Destiny Church and StandWithUs Coachella Valley chair Marcia Stein. Singer Sapir Tzemah is also scheduled to appear.

"While we are relieved and elated for every hostage who has been returned to their family, we cannot and will not cease to advocate for those who remain in captivity," event organizers said in an advisory about the upcoming rally. The advisory was issued just hours before the start of Hanukkah. "The urgency grows with every day they are held hostage inside Gaza."