Syracuse, N.Y. — About 100 people rallied Monday evening in downtown Syracuse for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
People gathered around 5:30 p.m. next to the ice rink in Clinton Square, where speakers called for an end to the conflict in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza that has killed thousands since the Oct. 7 surprise attack by the U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas and other organizations on southern Israel.
The event, titled “Chanukah Vigil for Ceasefire Now,” was led by the newly re-established Syracuse chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, a left-leaning national advocacy group.
Organizers led those in attendance in traditional Jewish songs and prayers, including Lo Yisa Goy, which is about nations not taking up arms against each other; and Oseh Shalom, the prayer for peace. The mourner’s Kaddish, the Jewish mourning prayer, was read for those killed during the Israel-Hamas war.
A menorah was lit for the fifth night of Hanukkah, a holiday that marks the victory of the Jews, led by the Maccabees, against Greek persecution more than 2,000 years ago.
On Oct. 7, attackers from Hamas and other groups killed an estimated 1,400 people and took roughly 240 hostages, many of whom are still being held in captivity. Israel has fought back by bombing and invading Gaza, resulting in more than 15,000 deaths.
A ceasefire was in effect in Gaza from Nov. 24 to Dec. 1. About 100 people taken by Hamas and other groups were exchanged for around 240 Palestinians in Israeli prisons. The truce ended after disagreements between the two sides on further releases, according to The New York Times.
Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.