Activists Hold Holiday Rally For Israel-Gaza Ceasefire In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A group of activists in Essex County held a holiday-themed rally on Christmas Eve to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

A local “Families for a Cease Fire Now” group constructed a nativity scene in a pile of rubble in Spicotta Park in downtown South Orange as part of an ongoing series of protests. Participants also sang somber Christmas carols, some written by Palestinian children in the West Bank to the children of Gaza.

According to statement from SOMA Families for Ceasefire, attendees included residents of South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, West Orange, Montclair and Teaneck.

“We are a diverse group from all backgrounds, religions, and orientations who come together demanding a ceasefire to stop the slaughtering of innocent civilians, and the return of all hostages,” the group said.

Organizers said they plan to hold weekly “ceasefire rallies” every Sunday in South Orange.

Casualties and suffering have been heavy for Israelis and Palestinians alike as war rages in the Middle East. Read More: Israel-Hamas: How To Talk To Your Kids, Practice Self-Care

More than 1,200 Israelis were killed after Hamas launched a coordinated attack on Oct. 7, including civilians and children. Dozens of the deceased are U.S. residents, including some from New Jersey. It’s estimated that nearly 250 Israeli soldiers and civilians were also seized by Hamas and taken into Gaza as hostages – where many of them still remain.

Meanwhile, the latest death toll from Palestinian authorities stands at more than 20,000 people who have been killed in Gaza due to Israel's retaliatory air strikes and ground invasion –including thousands of children and civilians. Israel has cut off water and electricity in Gaza, raising an outcry from advocates and several humanitarian organizations.

Protests and vigils continue to be held by pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters across Essex County, where opinions about the war remain starkly divided.

Several rallies and vigils have been held over the past months in support of Israel and the Jewish community.

After the Oct. 7 attack from Hamas, more than 2,000 people gathered at Temple B'nai Jeshurun in Short Hills to "pray together for our friends and family in Israel" in a show of solidarity and support.

Other large pro-Israel rallies have taken place in Montclair and Livingston.

• See Related: Thousands Demonstrate In NJ Town In Response To Hamas Attacks
• See Related: Israel-Hamas: Vigil In Montclair Demands Release Of Hostages

Essex County has also been the site of multiple protests in support of Palestine, with activists recently gathering for a protest at City Hall, and later storming the office of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker to demand an immediate ceasefire.

• See Related: West Orange To Verona: Students Hold Pro-Palestine Walkout
• See Related: NJ Green Party Candidates Blast Menendez's Comments On Israel-Palestine

Others have called for a renewed focus on the human cost of the war, pointing to a tragic civilian death toll that continues to rise.

• See Related: Israeli Forces Kill 10 Relatives Of NJ School Board Member
• See Related: Bergen County 'Beautiful Boy' Killed In Israel Fighting, Family Says

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