Today marks the one month anniversary of the unexpected and deadly attack on Israel by Hamas. Last night, a large crowd gathered at a rally on Central Park West to pray for the victims and the release of more than 200 hostages who are still held captive by Hamas.
One man shared his personal story of having his sister, her husband, and their young daughter kidnapped, expressing his desperate desire to have them back. The rally concluded with the Israeli National Anthem and a prayer for the safe return of the hostages and for an end to the ongoing war. However, the prospects for a ceasefire and a humanitarian pause in Gaza seem bleak as Israel continues its ground invasion.
In an interview with ABC, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his stance against a general ceasefire, citing that it would impede their efforts to secure the release of the hostages. Hamas claims that the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 10,000.
Meanwhile, a pro-Palestinian protest organized by the group Jewish Voice for Peace took place at the Statue of Liberty, featuring what they called the largest sit-in ever on Liberty Island. Banners displaying slogans like “Palestinians should be free” and “Never again for anyone” were showcased. The Anti-Defamation League has labeled Jewish Voice for Peace as a radical anti-Israel group that does not represent the mainstream Jewish community..
