More than 200 stand in solidarity with Israel during Memphis rally

More than 200 people gathered Sunday afternoon at Poplar and Ridgeway, joining together to stand in solidarity with Israel.

Memphis Friends of Israel organized the rally, which drew attendees of various faiths.

Israeli flags were passed out as protesters held casual conversation about the war in Israel. Scott Baum of Memphis Friends of Israel said the location was chosen because it was very public facing. With the four corners of Poplar and Ridgeway covered in Israeli flags, Baum said he wanted people driving by who could not necessarily stop and join to be able to show support by honking their horns.

"We just feel that it's important to be out here in the public eye and show (the public) we're proud to support Israel. It's a great country, a great democracy. It has freedom for all religions and races and creeds and LGBTQ," Baum said.

While there was strong representation from the Jewish community, many people of differing religious backgrounds held Israeli flags and signs in support of Israel.

Rebecca Harris and Lauren Acklin drove by the protest multiple times before joining, honking their horn with an Israeli flag sticking out the sunroof.

The duo had matching blue shirts on and both carried Israeli flags. Acklin said it was important for her to show support for Israel as her best friend is Jewish. Harris and Acklin both have friends still in Israel. Harris said they are trying to make it "day by day."

"(They are) in and out of bomb shelters, debating if they should go to the grocery store," Acklin said.

Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at 901-484-6225, Brooke.Muckerman@commercialappeal.com and followed on X/Twitter @BrookeMuckerman.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Friends of Israel rally draws more than 200 supporters