A protest sign advocating for the release of Soviet Jews is held aloft during a Jewish Defense League demonstration on the Ellipse, Washington, D.C., 21 March 1971

A coalition of Jewish groups including the Jewish Defense League held a large demonstration throughout Washington, D.C. in locations such as Lafayette Square, the White House, the Ellipse, and the space surrounding the Soviet Embassy on March 21, 1971. The demonstration protested the treatment of Russian Jews and urged the United States government to stop communication with the Soviet Union until the mistreatment of Russian Jews ends. The Jewish Defense League and leader Rabbi Meir Kahane held their rally on the Ellipse during this protest