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AMNA NAWAZ: Over the last two 
months, hundreds of thousands of 
Americans have come together in

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both pro-Israel and 
pro-Palestinian rallies 
and vigils. The vast 
majority have been peaceful,

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but some have turned violent 
or included antisemitic 
or Islamophobic threats.

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Laura Barron-Lopez reports.

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LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: Last 
night, protesters calling for 
a cease-fire in Gaza and police

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clashed outside the Democratic 
National Committee headquarters 
in Washington, D.C.

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Lawmakers, including top House 
Democrats, we're evacuated from

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a fund-raiser after 
protesters blocked exits 
to the building. According 
to U.S. Capitol Police,

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one person was arrested for 
assaulting a police officer 
and six officers were injured.

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Yesterday, law enforcement 
said on social media

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that 150 people were -- quote 
-- "illegally and violently 
protesting." But rally-goers,

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led by a coalition of groups 
including Jewish Voice for Peace 
Action and IfNotNow Movement,

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another American Jewish 
organization, say police 
initiated the confrontation.

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DANI NOBLE, Jewish Voice for 
Peace Action: We were met with 
police officers pulling people,

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including folks that I was 
alongside with, down the stairs,

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met with pepper spray to 
the face, met with actions 
that led to concussion.

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LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: Last night's 
demonstration is the latest in a

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series of mostly peaceful 
pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli 
rallies that have rippled

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across the country since 
Hamas killed some 1,200 
Israelis on October 7.

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On Tuesday, tens of 
thousands gathered on the

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National Mall to show 
support for Israel and 
condemn antisemitism.

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YONINA KESCHNER, Protester: It's 
just really important to show 
that we are standing together,

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we are remaining strong, 
despite any threats.

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LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: Israel's 
President Isaac Herzog addressed 
attendees through a video link.

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ISAAC HERZOG, Israeli 
President: As president 
of the state of Israel, I 
vow to you from Jerusalem,

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from the Kotel that we 
will heal. We will rise 
again, and we will rebuild.

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LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: The 
rally was intended to bridge 
political and religious divides,

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with leaders from both 
parties and different faiths 
addressing the crowds.

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PASTOR JOHN HAGEE, Christians 
United for Israel: We pray for

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the people of Israel and 
the leaders of Israel.

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LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: But the 
inclusion of controversial 
televangelist John Hagee drew

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criticism. Hagee says 
he supports Israel, but 
he also has a record of 
antisemitic statements.

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PASTOR JOHN HAGEE: Then God sent 
a hunter. A hunter is someone 
who comes with a gun, and he

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forces you. Hitler was a hunter. 
And the Bible said, Jeremiah 
writing, they shall hunt them.

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LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: 
Earlier this month,

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pro-Palestinian crowds rallied 
outside the White House, calling 
for an immediate cease-fire.

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MAHMOUD ABUNASSER, 
Protester: People are 
getting killed every minute,

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which is a very sad thing 
to see, humans die, with no 
wrong that they're doing.

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It's just that they 
happen that they live 
where the missile hits.

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LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: And, 
yesterday, at Columbia 
University, hundreds of

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students and faculty 
protested an administration 
decision to suspend

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two pro-Palestinian 
student groups through 
the end of the semester.

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DARALIZA AVILA CHEVALIER, 
College Student: The 
university should be

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taking a stance to protect 
speech and protect the

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right of faculty and students 
to address these issues 
in an open and frank way.

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LAURA BARRON-LOPEZ: The 
university said it suspended 
the groups after they violated

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university policies relating 
to campus events, including 
threatening rhetoric.

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While most rallies have not 
been violent, a November 5 
protest in a Los Angeles suburb

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turned deadly. Paul Kessler, 
a 69-year-old Jewish man, 
died after an altercation with

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a pro-Palestinian protester, 
according to California 
authorities. The Ventura County

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Sheriff's Office today announced 
the arrest of a suspect in 
connection with Kessler's death.

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For the "PBS NewsHour," 
I'm Laura Barron-Lopez.