SCRANTON, Pa. — Joined together in song and prayer, people gathered at the Rose Garden on the University of Scranton campus.
Bishops across the United States are urging Catholics to take part in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Holy Land as war in Israel and Gaza continues to devastate the region.
The University of Scranton hosted this interfaith prayer service as an opportunity for all people to share what they have in common.
"We can't agree upon everything but we can agree that prayer is important and that coming together as communities of faith are important," said Dan Cosacchi, Vice President of Mission & Ministry at the university.
Many students say they see what is happening in Israel and Gaza and want to do what they can to stand in solidarity for people in the middle of the war zone.
"To offer my prayers up into to be thinking about peace, but to do it in a community is a lot more special for me. So that's why I wanted to be here today," said John Nelson.
"Give a moment of silence and hope that the war could end because no one should deserve to suffer from war and die on the streets," said Ben Camp.
"It's obviously really hard seeing it on the news and on social media. So I think it's really important that it's being discussed, but that we're also doing something about it," said Grace Okrepkie.
Rabbi Daniel Swartz of Temple Hesed was among those to offer a prayer during the ceremony. He believes there is more good in this world that will hopefully end the loss of innocent lives.
"And it's very easy when when there's been hurt and violence to want to react. With more violence to be in that place. But, but when we remember our shared humanity, hopefully we can try to reach toward the better part in each of us," said Rabbi Swartz.
Praying for a better tomorrow and an end to violence in the Middle East.