GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Oct. 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas militants has lead to a yearlong conflict that has left tens of thousands dead and many displaced. The shockwaves are still felt around the world, including in West Michigan. 

In Kalamazoo, more than 50 people lined a part of West Michigan Avenue with signs and Palestinian flags, calling for an end to the fighting and U.S. military aid to Israel. Between each person, a rope strung together baby clothes, a reminder of the more than 16,900 children killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health leaders.

Joseph Hayden was one of the people demonstrating. While he has no personal connection to Gaza, he was drawn to join the protest with his family. 

“We can spend a lot of money on war, like 50 to 100, a 150 billion worth of dollars. But I think it would be a lot nicer if that money would be translated into a safe place for people,” he said.

Over 50 people lined a part of West Michigan Avenue in Kalamazoo with Palestinian flags on Oct. 7, 2024, a year since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas militants.
Over 50 people lined a part of West Michigan Avenue in Kalamazoo with Palestinian flags on Oct. 7, 2024, a year since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas militants.

A father himself, he said seeing the images of families torn apart by the war has been “disheartening.”

“I want to be a parent in this world and I want to share faith with everyone, but I don’t think it has to come down just with violence and hate,” Hayden said. 

As one group remembers the 365 days of fighting, others remember the day it all began. 

Two synagogues in Kalamazoo held remembrance services Sunday. In Grand Rapids, the Chabad House of Western Michigan had rows of tables with challah bread baking kits, each accompanied with the name and story for someone killed during the attack.

  • A remembrance ceremony held at the Chabad House of Western Michigan on Oct. 7, 2024, one year after the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas militants.
  • Challah bread at a remembrance ceremony held at the Chabad House of Western Michigan on Oct. 7, 2024, one year after the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas militants.

The bread is a way to honor them during the Sabbath as well as a reminder to do good deeds in their name. 

“The Jewish people were told, commanded by God to be a light unto the nations. And being that they cannot do that anymore, wo we have to take their place,” said Rabbi Saadia Weingarten. 

He said the attacks sent shockwaves through the Jewish community around the world. He said having a night to open the doors to the community was a way to create a safe space to both practice their faith and not be alone during a turbulent time. 

“To know that we have family, we’re all together, no matter what happens and really, the Jewish people worldwide have never been so close together than during this year,” he said. 

Both groups are hoping for an end to the year long terror of war soon. Weingarten said he hopes people can be a light of positivity with one and other to drive a larger peace in the world.