Absent Bus Drivers Strand Hundreds of Detroit Jews at D.C. Airport
- Hundreds of members from Detroit’s Jewish community traveled to Washington, D.C., to march in solidarity with Israel concerning its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The group was particularly focused on advocating for the release of an estimated 240 hostages taken by Hamas from Israel on October 7.
- Many members of the group faced delays or missed the march entirely due to a “malicious walk-off” by some bus drivers. The bus company, which remains unnamed, failed to fulfill its commitment to transport a significant number of participants from Dulles International Airport to the march’s location.
- The march in D.C. attracted tens of thousands of Israel supporters, demonstrating against Hamas and antisemitism. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to significant civilian death tolls and the current situation regarding hostages. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated there will be no ceasefire without the return of all hostages.
Detroit’s Jewish Community Hindered at Washington March due to Alleged Bus Driver Walk-Off
Members of Detroit’s Jewish community experienced difficulties joining the Washington solidarity march with Israel due to a reported “malicious walk-off” by some bus drivers. The Jewish Federation of Detroit and the Jewish Community Relations Council had rallied members to call for the release of an estimated 240 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7.
Several buses hired to transport participants from Dulles International Airport to the march fell through, causing delays and, in some cases, preventing participants from reaching the event. David Kurzmann, senior director of community affairs at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, claims this was a “deliberate and malicious walk-off of drivers”.
Despite the setback, the group remains firm in their resolve to stand in solidarity with Israel, denounce antisemitism, and demand the return of all hostages held by Hamas. The Jewish Federation declined to disclose the name of the bus company or companies in question.
Kurzmann revealed in a virtual press conference that some of the bus drivers allegedly called in sick upon learning of the day’s assignment. The bus company had assured the group they would fulfill their obligations, but apparently encountered some challenges.
Buses Fall Through but Supporters Rally On
About a third of the 900 travelers were affected by the bus issue, according to Kurzmann. Ella Cohen, one of the fortunate participants who made it to the march, recounted how some groups were “duped by the bus companies”. Despite the challenges, some bus companies stepped in last minute and some participants resorted to ordering Ubers to get to the march.
The event saw tens of thousands of Israel supporters rallying on the National Mall, chanting “never again” under heavy security and the presence of various politicians. State Sen. Jeremy Moss, who was among those affected by the bus issue, expressed his disappointment at being denied the opportunity to be part of a “tremendous display of support … for the hostages and a strong rebuke of antisemitism.”
Rallies Amidst War
Despite transportation setbacks, nearly 1,000 people from Metro Detroit managed to attend the march, according to Rabbi Mike Moskowitz from Temple Shir Shalom. The march took place during the sixth week of the war, triggered by Hamas’ surprise attack into Israel.
Meanwhile, Palestinian Americans have called for a ceasefire in rallies in Washington and Michigan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on the return of all hostages before agreeing to a ceasefire. Kurzmann, expressing sympathy for the suffering caused by the war, placed the blame squarely on Hamas.
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