Some demonstrators arrested at Israel-Hamas cease-fire rally at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Hundreds of people rallied inside and outside Philadelphia's 30th Street Station to call for a cease-fire amid the war between Israel and Hamas on Thursday.
Demonstrators brought signs and chanted. It started off peaceful, but as time went on, some people ended up being arrested, including Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari.
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"We do not believe that the further killing of Palestinian life will bring justice or peace or redeem the loss of lives on October 7th when 1,400 Israelis were killed by Hamas," Rabbi Fornari said.
Demonstrators demanded political leaders to implement a cease-fire and stop genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The demonstration was led by a diverse coalition of Philadelphia faith leaders and activists from all over the state.
This week alone, more than 8,000 Palestinians have died in the crossfire of war, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry. On the Israeli side, more than 1,400 were killed during Hamas' initial attack.
"I feel it is very important that the U.S. stop giving an open check, open consent to Israel to continue the killing of innocent Palestinians," Noe Capla, who attended the rally, said.
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"We want Palestinians to know that we do not want them hurt or to suffer and that we love them and we want a road where all people have equal rights and protection under the law," Alisha Berry said.
But not everyone is in favor of a cease-fire as long as Hamas is in control of Gaza.
"Until that organization backs down and dedicates itself to surrendering and living peacefully next to Israel, there should be no cease-fire, no pause in hostility," Jason Holtzman, the director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, said.
Police locked side entrances of the 30th Street Station and guarded the main ones due to the demonstration, only allowing those with Amtrak tickets to come through. This caused confusion and frustration for riders, especially people using SEPTA.
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"I can't catch my train to Chestnut Hill and I don't know how I am getting home now," a person said.
While police kept a close watch on the protest all night, those who attended said they have hope for humanity.
"I believe peace is possible if you are willing to work towards it," a person said.
The demonstration comes after a similar large protest on Capitol Hill about two weeks ago, where thousands of people attended, including Dani Noble, an organizer with the Jewish Voice for Peace.
"We say not in our name, never again, means never again for anyone, no exceptions. We need a cease-fire and this genocide must stop," Noble said.
"We cannot allow the death that has already happened, specifically speaking as a Jew to justify weaponizing our grief to murder thousands more and commit a genocide," she added.
How were commuters impacted?
Amtrak said there were no delays to its service throughout the rally.
Due to police locking side entrances of 30th Street Station, riders on some SEPTA lines had issues getting aboard trains.
SEPTA said some line are experiencing minor delays and riders should check for updates.
