TOLEDO, Ohio — Demonstrators who support Palestinians gathered for a protest in west Toledo Friday, one of many such events organized around the country as the Israel-Hamas conflict goes on.
A local chapter of the American Muslims for Palestine organized Toledo's event.
"This is not about politics, this is about human rights," said one of the event organizers, Walaa Kanan.
Israel declared war on Hamas after the group, which controls Gaza, attacked communities in southern Israel Saturday. Israel has launched rockets into Gaza and appears poised to send troops into the territory.
Bilal Silim, who participated in the protest, and he doesn't believe Hamas is a terrorist organization.
"Some people are fighting for freedom, and that's a noble thing, that's not a terrorist thing," Silim said. "That's a very noble thing to fight for freedom."
Vicky Rose described herself pro-Israel but came to the protest to talk to people who feel differently than she does. She is a practicing Jew and Buddhist and was driving by when she decided to speak to the protestors.
"I'm here as a representative of the Jewish community that wants peace," Rose said. "The hand has been forced on Israel because of the brutal attacks that Hamas did."
The organizers of Friday's protest said they are supporting Palestinian people.
"We are pro-Palestine, we are pro-people, we are pro-human rights," Kanan said. "We are here fighting for peace."
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