WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Thousands of people marched at the White House on Saturday afternoon, calling for peace and standing together with those in their native Palestine.
On Saturday, Palestinians in Gaza struggled to follow the Israeli evacuation order and faced a dire water shortage ahead of an expected land offensive a week after Hamas’ bloody, wide-ranging attack into Israel.
Virginia resident Samantha Zaboli spoke with emotion in her voice as she described her support for her homeland.
"It's too much," she explained.
She brought her five year old son to the march because she says it's important that he doesn't forget their history.
"The Palestinian people are not just Muslims," she explained, "we’re Christians, we’re Jews and we’re Muslim – and we’ve lived together for generations."
Likewise ninth grade student Watan Al Jawabra shared his feelings for Palestine, where he was born.
"I felt like I can’t just sit at home and do nothing," he said, "seeing the absolute destruction going on in Gaza."
The protestors letting their steps and signs express their thoughts and feelings, calling for peace.
"War is not something that you want to see, it’s something that happens, and I just don’t want to see it," said Al Jawabra.
For Zaboli, her message is clear -
"People can coexist with different religions," she explained, "look at our country. Our country has – you name it – here, and we’re existing. Obviously we’re not perfect, but we’re existing."