Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

• Bags will be permitted on the bus and will be searched before boarding. Adults will be asked to show picture ID before boarding the bus.
  
• Bring clothes to be comfortable for the day’s weather. 
  
• Bring USB chargers for your devices and ideally a battery backup to ensure you have a fully charged cell phone.
  
• Please bring enough food for yourself for the whole day since we are not able to guarantee time for stops for meals or snacks. And, maybe bring some additional snacks to share with your bus friends!
  
• You will be allowed to bring a small bag or backpack into the rally site—which should include water and snacks. Please plan accordingly.  

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Dress casually and wear/bring layers depending on the weather forecast. You may wish to wear blue and white to express your support for Israel. Most important: comfortable shoes! 

WILL THERE BE LOTS OF WALKING AND STANDING? WILL THE MARCH BE ACCESSIBLE FOR PARTICIPANTS WITH DISABILITIES?  

Yes, the day will include a significant amount of standing and walking from our point of arrival to the main March site. While there will be some ADA accessible seating in the rally area, your ability to access it may be limited. 

ONCE IN D.C., HOW WILL WE GET TO THE MARCH?

NOTE: This information is different from what was originally communicated. Each bus will unload as soon as it is parked to proceed directly to boarding the Metro. You will be given a prepaid Metro card for the ride to the March site on the National Mall (process likely to take 60-90 minutes). We do not recommend walking.

WILL THERE BE SIGNS AVAILABLE? CAN I BRING MY OWN SIGN?
Federation will have some handheld signs available to carry at the March. You are encouraged to create and bring your own paper signs. All signs should be stored under the bus for the rides. Signs with sticks/poles/stakes will not be permitted in the March area. You are welcome to bring flags with you but flag-poles and wooden stakes are prohibited. 

DO THE BUSES HAVE REST ROOMS?
Yes, your bus will have a rest room.  

WILL THERE BY WI-FI ON THE BUSES? WHAT ABOUT CHARGING MY DEVICES?
There are USB ports on the buses, but no Wi-Fi. 

WILL THE BUS BE MAKING STOPS ALONG THE WAY?
We cannot guarantee whether or where buses might be able to stop. 

CAN I POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
Do not post your bus information or location in real time or via livestreaming.  If you choose to post your photos and videos on social (not in real time) later in the day, please tag us! @jfedgmw and use the hashtags #StandWithIsrael @IamGMW

CAN I CHANGE MY BUS?
Bus assignments are final. During this terrible time for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, this is an important opportunity to build unity in our community. Please introduce yourself to the people on your bus whom you might not know or to the individual walking next to you in Washington. We are stronger when we are together!  

WHERE IS THE MARCH?
The March is being held on the Washington Mall. The area will be cordoned off. 

CAN I HAVE OTHER PEOPLE FROM GREATER METROWEST MEET OUR GROUP?
We are unable to confirm a meet-up location in D.C. Should you wish to connect with others from the community, please be in touch with them directly.  

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM?
Additional information about the program coming soon. For more information visit the national March website at MarchforIsrael.org 

IS THERE A PLAN TO LIVESTREAM THE EVENT FOR THOSE NOT ABLE TO TRAVEL?
Details around possible live stream access will be shared closer to November 14 via  MarchforIsrael.org 

WHO CAN I CONTACT AT JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER METROWEST WITH QUESTIONS?
Contact Sharon Zucker at szucker@jfedgmw.org. 

SECURITY INFORMATION 

• The Greater MetroWest Community Security Initiative (CSI) is coordinating with Jewish Federations of North America, who is coordinating with all the local and Federal agencies in the District of Columbia. As with every Federation event, every available resource is being utilized to ensure our safety.  
• Bags will be allowed on the buses, but searched before boarding. Adults will be asked to show picture ID before boarding the bus.
• A security guard will be on every bus. We have additional security guards meeting us in Washington DC.  
• Participants will need to go through a security line and magnetometer in order to access the March space.  
• Please do not display Israeli flags, signs, or insignias on the exterior or windows of your bus. 
• We know that many participants will want to wear Israeli flags or other symbols and signage in support of Israel. Do not display these items before arriving at the event in D.C. This includes while congregating in the parking lot waiting to board the buses. 
• Social media: do not post your bus information or location in real time or via livestreaming. 
• Participants should not get involved in confrontations of any type. If you find yourself in a threatening situation on the street, look for law enforcement, security and/or a safe place to take shelter (store, eatery, or coffee shop, etc.). 
• Never leave your belongings unattended. 
• If the press appears before, during, and after the trip, be mindful of your comments, especially as it relates to travel logistics and statements that can be construed as enflaming or may identify yourself. If asked where you are from, reply, “Greater MetroWest NJ”. 
• Always be aware of your surroundings. We will be outdoors during the event, take note of physical barriers such as buildings, fences, barricades, that may impede your egress.