By: Chloe Morrissey, WKOW27, Oct 7, 2024 

MADISON (WKOW) — October 7, 2024 marks one year of the Israel-Hamas war. With no end in sight and an expanding conflict, advocates from both sides are speaking out. 

“I’m heartbroken every day I hear more news of the horrific attacks that are happening with our tax dollars,” said Timothy Cordon. He organized a walking vigil for peace that will be taking place at the Wisconsin State Capitol from October 7th to the 15th. 

Cordon says the message is to educate others on the context of the war by explaining Palestinian history, and condemn the United States for funding the war. 

“We’re the superpower of the world, we could be promoting peace. We could stop wars by stopping the flow of arms. But the problem, I think, rests in part, that the arms industry is big business,” Cordon said. 

Around 70 to 80 other groups rallied together, drafting a letter to lawmakers. Code Pink Madison is one of the groups. The letter states their demands for what steps need to be taken in this conflict. 

“An immediate, permanent ceasefire. A release of all hostages, both Israeli and Palestinian, political prisoners, and foreign arms embargo to the State of Israel,” said Shahayra Majumder, co-chapter lead of Code Pink Wisconsin. 

But October 7 is also a day for mourning. 1,200 people were killed during Hamas’ 2023 attacks in Israel.

“It’s called the yahrzeit, the one year since death, and so our whole community is feeling really broken and not at peace at all,” said Rabbi Jon Prosnit from Madison’s Temple Beth El. 

Now, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war that has raged on since. Millions remain displaced. 

After a year of war, people on both sides of the issue have their beliefs on what could be the solution. Voices from either side have similar views.

“We need to negotiate a settlement where the Israeli people, the Palestinian people, can live together on that small chunk of land,” Cordon said. 

Alan Klugman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Madison, said a two-state solution should be the goal so Palestinians can also have a homeland. But the first priority for him is having hostages released, dead or alive. 

“When hostages are returned and when the rocket firing ends, the Israelis will be more than happy to stop the military actions that it’s taken. They’ve only done that in defense,” Klugman said. 

Viewpoints may differ around why the war started and reasoning behind actions in war, but while the Middle East remains divided, the cry for the end of war here at home is bringing together both sides of the conflict. Many maintain the common goal of peace and freedom for everyone. 

Chloe Morrissey
Reporter/MMJ

Chloe Morrissey joined the 27 News team in January 2024 as a multimedia journalist after graduating from Loyola University Chicago with cum laude honors, majoring in Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Political Science.