On the two-year anniversary since Hamas militants attacked Israel and took hostages Oct. 7, 2023, communities in Tallahassee gathered near the Florida Capitol to mark the impact of a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives in the Middle East.
The Holocaust Education Resource Council hosted a commemoration with speakers and prayers at the Holocaust memorial across the street from the Florida Historic Capitol. The memorial was dedicated there in March.
Across Monroe Street, Tallahassee Students for a Democratic Society protested the United States’ involvement in the Gaza war, along with hosting a vigil for Palestinian lives lost over decades of Middle Eastern conflicts.
From USA TODAY: How two years of grinding war have changed Gaza, Israel, and the world
Two years ago, Hamas’ attack prompted a ripple effect across the world with its surprise attack in Israel, killing about 1,200 people. The demonstrations in Tallahassee come at a time that Israeli and Hamas officials are reportedly in Egypt, discussing a halt to the war and release of hostages.
For the about 50 people who attended the commemoration at the Holocaust memorial, Oct. 7 was meant to memorialize victims lost and demand that hostages held by Hamas in the war be released. Attendees mostly wore black and held up their Israel flags, or posters showing photos of hostages held by Hamas.
“It is urgent that Hamas immediately release all the remaining hostages and (we) strongly confront the antisemitism that has erupted in the wake of the attacks,” said Barbara Goldstein, the executive director of the Holocaust Education Resource Council.
Across the street, a group of about 40 protestors held Palestine flags and chanted “Free Palestine” and “What does Trump stand for? Genocide and war.”
A major point of contention, shown by international outcry and divided opinions on U.S. involvement in the war, is the humanitarian crisis in Gaza from frequent airstrikes and famine, leaving people without homes, food, medical supplies or infrastructure.
Kaiden Rosa, a Florida State University student affiliated with the group organizing the protest, said the reason for the gathering was to criticize the United States involvement in the war and Florida officials who have also supported funding Israeli companies.
“We’re here to say we’re not accepting genocide,” Rosa said. “We want the United States to stop funding the genocide.”
Capitol Police, local law enforcement and officers with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement surrounded the perimeters where both gatherings were taking place. At one point, officers converged when people with an Israel flag approached the pro-Palestinian demonstration, but the duel protests remained peaceful throughout the night.
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@gannett.com. On X: @stephanymatat.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Capitol sees memorial, Gaza war protest on Oct. 7 anniversary
