SCRANTON, Pa. — People in Scranton are making their voices heard, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
"We're trying to show the people we are here. We are behind them. They cannot talk, but we are their voice," said Ferouk Abedrabbo, Islamic Association of Scranton President.
More than two dozen people participated in the Gaza ceasefire walk in Scranton.
It was organized by the group "Christians for the Common Good," which is affiliated with the University of Scranton's Peace and Justice Studies Program.
It's part of a national Gaza ceasefire pilgrimage spearheaded by various Christian groups. People of all faiths were welcome.
"We're not against anybody. We're in solidarity with both people, but we see the particular vulnerability with Gazans right now who are now nearing 30,000 dead and ongoing devastation in that area," said Will Cohen, University of Scranton Professor of Theology.
The walk was 25 miles, which is the length of the Gaza Strip. Most participants joined at Courthouse Square for the final five miles of the route. Walkers say they want a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid.
"The humanitarian crisis is extremely dire. There's not a military solution to the holy land conflict. It has to be done through diplomacy. There needs to be a way for both Jewish Israelis and Palestinians to live together," said Julie Schumacher-Cohen, Churches for Middle East Peace.
Scranton was one of more than 100 cities participating in the walk.
"I think people are moved. They care. They don't always know what they can do. They sometimes feel helpless. This is a way for people to come together and to show that we can try to make a difference in this very difficult situation," said Julie.