BUFFALO, N.Y. — Palestinians in Gaza scrambling for food and shelter as Israel continues its ground invasion. Israel's continue to bury their dead from the Hamas attacks. Communities in Western New York are standing up on both sides.
In the last few days, two groups have held rallies in Niagara Square surrounding the events of the Israel and Hamas War. On October 13, the group was Pro-Palestine. And October 15, it was all Pro-Israel.
More than 300 people in Western New York marched in support of Palestine calling for an end to Israeli bombing of Gaza on Friday. The rally was called 'Solidarity to Palestine and Gaze.' It was organized by Arab community members and others.
People held Palestinian flags and signs with messages like 'Free Palestine' and 'Land You Have to Kill For Is Not Yours-- Land You Die For Is.' After many speeches the crowd marched around Niagara Square chanting things like 'From the River to the Sea-- Palestine Will Be Free.'
"We are under occupation for 75 years. 75 years. It's the longest occupation in the modern history. We are still under occupation. When they say I want to be free and we carry a stone at a tank. They say, I am a terrorist. I am a terrorist but when they kill kids.. I wasn't going to show you some pictures but when they kill kids. They jail kids for 12 years for throwing a stone to a tank. They take him to custody," the organizer, Taher Adellatiff, said.
Many in attendance say they decided to participate because they don't feel represented by the US government. Both Mayor Bryon Brown and state leaders like Governor Kathy Hochul have expressed support for Israel.
Since the war broke out, other groups have held vigils across Western New York.
One of the most recent was a Pro-Israel rally in Niagara Square on October 15. While the Israel and Hamas War rages on thousands of miles away. It impacting many people living right here in Western New York.
Event organizer, Rabbi Mendy Labcowski said the Jewish communities are very broken and scared to leave their homes. He said many are still trying to figure out where to go from here, but the best thing one can do is to stand together.
"It didn't happen because it's the land of Israel. It didn't happen because their was a dispute or settlement. It happen simply because they were Jewish. And therefore, any one of us here today if we were lived in those villages that were totally liberated. We as well wouldn't have been here today. We as well would have perished. We would have been killed. And therefore, it really hits close to home," Labcowski said.
Both Buffalo Mayor Bryon Brown and state leaders like governor Kathy Hochul have expressed support for Israel. At this rally in particular, Congressman Nick Langworthy and a representative from the mayor's office spoke.
More vigils and prayers are expected to happen here in Western New York and across the country in the upcoming weeks.