Community members gathered Monday evening at the Allen Street Gates in State College for a vigil for peace in Israel and Gaza.
“Lights for Peace in Israel and Gaza” was organized by local faith congregations and leaders. The three historic peace churches — University Mennonite Church, State College Friends Meeting and University Baptist and Brethren Church — initiated the organizing and other congregations joined from there, Pastor Kate Heinzel of University Mennonite Church said.
The mostly silent, candlelight vigil offered a hope for peace as the Israel-Hamas War enters its second month. More than 1,400 Israelis were killed in attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7, and the Ministry of Health in Gaza reported on Monday that more than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military response.
Heinzel said the group plans to meet at the gates again on Nov. 13 and on Mondays for the foreseeable future.
Photos courtesy Steven Rubin
