PIKESVILLE, Md. — Around 200 people gathered carrying Israeli flags and posters showing faces of 100+ hostages still being held by Hamas, one year after they carried out a deadly attack.
Although rally goers reflected on tragedy, no tears were shed, only pride in supporting Israel from afar.
Sunday's rally at Wellwood Elementary School honored the memory of more than 1,200 Israelis killed that October 7 day.
Shoshanna Boroosan said its important she do something to support Israel.
“Us all coming together feeling each other’s pain and knowing that I’m not alone in this and that there is other people that are experiencing that and feeling that and that sense of togetherness is just like really comforting," said Boroosan.
Before the rally some took part in a 1.7 mile walk and 7.10 kilometer run that started and ended at the school.
Mitchell Posner said the large gathering is a reflection of local support in Baltimore, but wishes there was more.
"Honestly, I would have liked to have seen twice as many people here today because Israel needs everyone of us to support it as strongly as possible in every way possible," said Posner.
Others were just glad to have a safe gathering showing solidarity in their community.
“I can be a part of these rallies. I can be a part of these events. I can do my part here to really make an impact even though I’m not there.”
Boroosan said thinking about the attack last October 7, brings memories of disbelief.
“I couldn’t imagine the numbers that I was hearing, the stories that I was hearing; it was really shocking and it was really scary," Boroosan said.
Moving forward Jay Bernstein is hoping for a peaceful resolution to the war that includes the release of hostages.
“We support Israel, we support the soldiers of the IDF, and we are praying to God, and this is right after Rosh Hasana; we’re praying to God that the war ends, that there is peace for the region, peace in Israel, peace in the entire world," says Bernstein.
Many others feel the same.
“My hope is that the terrorist leaders would come out of the rat holes and the tunnels that they spent the dollars that should have been spent on humanitarian aid to their own people would come out with a white flag and say we give up and then we can have peace and justice in the middle east," says Posner.
Leaders said there will be events on the Monday anniversary in many Jewish communities throughout the city, but many are private and have not been shared with the public for safety reasons.
