Two hundred chairs, filled only with photos of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas earlier this month, sat on a busy Irvine intersection Thursday evening.
Peppered among them were several strollers, representing the children kidnapped by Hamas.
“This entire situation is deep-rooted and complicated,” said Aaron Recter, an Irvine resident. “My main focus right now is on the innocent children who have lost their lives to this. As a father myself, I could never imagine the pain and hurt these families are feeling.”
The vigil took place at the corner of Culver Drive and Alton Parkway on the evening of Oct. 26, with about 100 people of all ages in attendance.
Many carried large Israeli or American flags in their hands. Attitudes were somber as shouts rang out with the names of the lives taken in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, but some were angered and upset over the events that have unfolded.
Genna Kirta, an Israel native, said all she wishes for is peace.
“It is unimaginable seeing your people experience this,” she said. “My hope is for calmness, for reconciliation and ultimately for the people causing terror to receive justice for their actions. Who knows when and how that will take place, but all I want is the people wrongly affected by these actions to be saved and out of harm’s way.”
A consistent stream of honks came from the cars passing by the intersection; some people even hung out of their vehicles to shout in support.
“I am thankful that this event was organized,” said attendee Michael Broder, who was in tears. “It gives the people who may not be too familiar with the Israeli perspective a chance to see the impact that this war is causing.”
“I get that there are two sides to the story, but my heart stands with those who have had family members pass or hurt,” he said. “My heart stands with the children who have been taken from this world. My heart stands with the 200 chairs that are placed on this corner.”
The event…
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