Rallies for both Israel and Palestine as war nears one-year mark

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Monday marks one year since the Israel Hamas War began and, since then, Pro-Israel and Pro-Palestinian groups alike have been rallying for what they believe needs to happen in the Middle East.

The two groups remained steadfast and active Sunday as the Harrisburg Jewish Community Center held their weekly “Run For Their Lives” morning gathering and a Pro-Palestinian rally took place outside the Governor’s Mansion.

The groups have watched in horror for the past year as terror continues overseas.

Israel intensifies bombardment of Gaza and southern Lebanon ahead of Oct. 7 anniversary

Residents observe the efforts reflected in rallies and other events, two of which occurred Sunday in Harrisburg.

“We have met almost every Sunday since,” Judith Hodara, who took part in the JCC event, said.

The group gathered bright and early outside the JCC on North Front Street.

“It’s an apolitical message. It’s Jews, non-Jews,” Jordan Klein said. “We literally just get up and we walk down Front Street and we work together as a community. It’s easier to bring attention together as a community.”

“We want the return of those that are still alive,” he added. “We want the return of those that have died. We want to have our brothers and sisters back with us. So for us, that is the most important message that Israel deserves and has the right to exist.”

Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli crowds rally across the world on the eve of Oct. 7 anniversary

Later Sunday, a rally for Palestine outside the Governor’s Mansion, where Brian Keisling says they want “to call for an arms embargo and to boycott, sanction and divest from the state of Israel.”

Dozens of pro-Palestinians in attendance who believe too much money is going overseas.

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“There’s also hope that we are going to be able to come together as a community and do something to stop it,” Keisling said.

Klein says divesting “from the only democratic nation in the Middle East is is a very big mistake.”

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