MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues, Memphians are making their voices on the issue heard back in the Bluff City.
On Sunday, the Palestinian community in Memphis led a peaceful march down Beale Street to Tom Lee park, similar to what many had done a week prior. Whether from Memphis, or Gaza, the march filled the air with messages for a ceasefire, aid, and demands for US lawmakers to get involved.
"To see everyone come out and support, this is a beautiful thing to see. I hope with every injustice we can come out with this much fervor," said Ata Amro, part of the Pro-Palestine rally, "We want to call for a ceasefire, immediate ceasefire and the opening of aid into Gaza because so far the Israeli government has not been letting aid into there."
Meanwhile across town on Ridgeway and Poplar, Memphis Friends of Israel held a rally in support of the people of Israel. The organization says it is working to educate and engage the Memphis community in this hour of attack and crisis happening in the Middle East.
On their website, Memphis Friends of Israel says:
"The massacre that they planned and carried out of Israel's citizens is a depravity that we have not seen since the holocaust. We fully support Israel's right to defend herself and seek justice. We call on Hamas to release all hostages, surrender and disband their organization, and set the people of Gaza free."