The event was in support of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. The outcome of the movement's goals would result in Israel's destruction. Within hours of the October 7, 2023, terror attacks, the BDS movement renewed its call for an anti-Israel boycott.

Zionism is the belief that Jews have the right to self-determination in their own national home, and the right to develop their national culture. Zionism is a core part of the identity of most Jews.

One way anti-Israel activists spread antisemitism is by denying Jewish history, with the aim of delegitimizing restored Jewish sovereignty, attacking Israel’s legitimacy and portraying Jews as foreign to the Land of Israel.