ST. LOUIS — The conflict between Hamas and Israel is now in its second week. In St. Louis, both Israelis and Palestinians took action Sunday by holding rallies for peace.
Traci Goldstein, an organizer with the Jewish Federation of St. Louis was at the rally at the Jewish Federation.
"We need the world to know, little old Missouri stands with Israel," Goldstein said.
What may feel like worlds away for some is no longer for Israelis and Palestinians living in St. Louis.
A week after war was declared, the pain is still stained on people's faces.
Sandra Tamari, the co-founder of St. Louis Palestine Solidarity Committee was at today's Kiener Plaza rally and protest for Palestinians.
"Each and every one of us is watching a genocide unfold on our screens and the world is painting us as the aggressor," Tamari said. "We know that the majority of the world stands with us. Every place on this earth outside of Europe and the US. The people are with us."
Israelis took action at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis by hanging up missing posters and holding a rally.
"This wasn't eradicating terrorism, this was a terrorist plot to kill as many Jews as possible, last Saturday," Goldstein said. "There is no moral equivalence. You either stand with Hamas, or you stand against them. That's it, it's just that simple."
Palestinian groups asked for a ceasefire and safe passage of civilians out of the region. Later they marched and rallied through downtown.
Both Israelis and Palestinians say living in America leaves them with unbearable guilt during times of war.
Ahlam Salameh participated in the downtown rally and protest.
"We look at our children, they're able to sleep and wake up safely. Me as a Palestinian and a mother it makes me feel guilty," Salameh said.
Salameh said daily activities were difficult to bear.
"We do have a voice, people do know. They want to stand up for what's right. It just makes me proud to be Palestinian and have this much support," Salameh said.
Orna Dar, an Israeli-American, also participated in the rally at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
"I don't know how for the past week I could do anything. How come I can go and exercise when my brothers and sisters are suffering in Israel," Dar said.
While the support is there for both sides, they say more is always welcomed.
"Israel is facing a very difficult time right now. We all know someone that has died, got kidnapped or even worse," Dar said.
