People gather to pray for Gaza peace

West Hartford (WTNH) - Despite calls for a cease fire, the violence continues in Gaza. In Connecticut, supporters of both sides are making their voices heard.

Inside the Jewish Community Center, hundreds gathered as part of Rallies Across North America. It's happening in West Hartford. And, all across America people gather to show support for Israel in the conflict in Gaza and pray for peace.

"We look forward to having more and more Palestine...more and more Arab and Muslim leaders who feel the same way," Gary Jones, of the Community Relations Council, said. "With peace, friendship and love; with Israel and all of her neighbors."

Outside the Jewish Community Center, dozens of protesters were chanting. One man was arrested for Breach of Peace after police stepped in. Their message, "We are here to protest. We are here to challenge. We have two opposed views with the public here," Youness Bakr, of Suffield said. "We would like to challenge the Zionists, state to a public televised debate."

"We don't believe in debating hate, we don't believe in debating KKK people, we don't believe in anybody who just hates," Jones said. "We love and want to exist with peace and security, with all of our neighbors."

On stage, two students from the northern part of Israel, touched by the standing room only crowd that came out to show their support for Israel.

"It really warmed the heart to see that in a place far from Israel," Amit Segal, of Israel, said. "There is a lot of support and energy; that people here support us even if they are Jewish or not."