AVENTURA, FLA. (WSVN) - - Several South Floridians are taking to the streets to voice their concerns after terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel.
7News cameras captured demonstrators at the Shoppes of Waterway, located at 3585 NE 207th St., where local and federal officials, as well as clergy members and gathered to show their support for Israel during the Stand for Israel rally, Monday evening.
By candlelight, people prayed and expressed themselves through songs.
“It brings lot of comfort to be here with everyone who’s going through the something,” said a supporter.
At the venue, politicians and other dignitaries spoke to supports on a stage.
“Whole families, grandparents and their grandchildren were butchered and burned alive,” said Consul General Maor Elbaz-Starinsky.
“We stand with Israel and we understand,” said Florida Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson.
They came to people who are hurting but are remaining strong, vocal and together.
“People from all across the political spectrum, from different religious backgrounds; Jews, Christians, Muslims, people of no faith, people of other faiths, people of all races, people who come here from all sorts of different countries, the people that really make up our South Florida community are coming out in force tonight to show our support for Israel,” Evan Ross said.
The passion was felt and heard at the event.
“Entire families that have been slaughtered, entire families that have been kidnapped,” Ross said. “Children, young women who were raped next to their friend’s dead bodies that went to enjoy themselves at a music festival. People need to remember these images and these stories over the weeks and months to come because they’re going to be difficult.”
“Our solidarity will show the world that that terrorism will not work,” said a supporter.
Aventura Commissioner Rachel Friedland was happy to see the massive turnout of people.
“I would have been happy if we had 50 people here, I think that over 1,000 people,” she said. “I want the community to feel welcomed, to get together, to come out and support Israel.
After Israel declared war on Sunday following the attack by Hamas, several Floridians gathered in Fort Lauderdale for a mostly peaceful rally where supporters for both Israel and Palestine were in attendance.
There was some clashing between the two groups, but law enforcement were able to keep the peace.
Another demonstration, The Stand Strong rally, is set to take place in Miami Beach on Tuesday at the Holocaust Museum.
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