VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Around 200 people across Hampton Roads attended a community gathering at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Campus on Tuesday to show support for Israel.
WATCH: Speakers at solidarity gathering in Virginia Beach show support for Israel
Attorney General Jason Miyares spoke at the Solidarity Gathering for Israel in Virginia Beach and stood with members of Virginia’s Jewish community following Saturday's terrorist attack against Israel.
"It's the greatest slaughter of innocent Jewish citizens since the Holocaust, and I think it's so important that we voice our support for the nation of Israel during this time," said Attorney General Miyares.
Community members also voiced their concerns over the violence that's ensued during the latest Israel-Palestinian war.
"I've had sleepless nights over the past three days. I've cried in the midst of my day as I open my phone and I just start thinking about things," said Edo Mor, a Virginia Beach resident who attended the community gathering.
"We are not a people who just sit and wait and watch, we are a people who have to do something," a member of the Jewish community added.
WATCH: Hampton Roads woman with family in Israel reacts to Hamas attack
Elected officials, state leaders, and religious leaders also attended to show their support. As they took to the podium, they said terrorist attacks like this will not be tolerated.
News 3 previously spoke with Jonathan Kuttab, a Palestinian attorney and human rights activist based in northern Virginia. He says rather than fighting, he would like to see peace on both sides.
“I’d like to see the Palestinian prisoners released. We have over 1,300 people who are totally kept by Israelis in jail arbitrarily. No trial, no charges, nothing. I’d like to see Palestinians being recognized. I’d like to see genuine negotiations between Israel and Hamas and the Palestinians" said Kuttab.
While many remain on edge, as it's unclear what could happen next, elected officials say they're working hard to restore calm to the region.
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