COLUMBUS, Ohio — Approximately 100 people gathered in the Old Hilliard neighborhood for a "Stand for Solidarity" event to support Gaza in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
“Our strength comes from our community. We are not in this alone, we are in this together and with that community comes strength, hope, and it re-energizes us,” said Hilliard resident Noura Dabdoub.
Dabdoub helped push for the Hilliard City Council to pass a resolution for a cease-fire in Gaza. She said the resolution is about the council recognizing the humanity of her community.
“I have cousins in Hussa. I have cousins who are literally trying to survive a genocide. They are slowly starving to death. There are so many of us in our community who have family there,” said Dabdoub.
Farrell Brody was one of a few Jewish people at the Stand for Gaza event. He’s part of Jewish Voices for Peace and supports the call for a cease-fire. The passing of the resolution happened the same week as Passover.
“Yes. it’s the week of Passover, but Passover is about liberation of all things. That’s what we are talking about today, the liberation of Palestinians," he said.
Brody feels his role as a Jewish person is to push for peace.
“[I want to] create a situation in Palestine and Israel where Jews and Palestinians will both be free and be equal and will have equal opportunities for an equal life to live,” said Brody.
The Stand for Solidarity event won't be the group's last event. Dabdoub hopes other local communities will join in on calling for a cease-fire.
“Remind people we can’t give up. We have to keep striving, keep advocating for Palestine,” she said.