BOCA RATON, Fla. — Chants of freedom and Palestinian flags accompanied demonstrators Thursday in Boca Raton. Their message was clear.
"We're all here to raise awareness of what's happening in Palestine," Dakota Ali said.
The group walked through Mizner Park spreading their pro-Palestinian message.
"Up until this protest, I felt powerless because there was nothing I could do," Mohammed Hussein said.
The rally came just hours after a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip -- a truce between Israel and Hamas after 11 days of deadly airstrikes and clashes.
President Joe Biden weighed in on the situation Thursday from the White House.
"I believe that Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy," he said.
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County has also closely watched what's unfolding from afar.
CEO Matt Levin said without significant changes, both sides could be right back where they are.
"Israel has a responsibility, like every other country, to protect its citizens," he said.
Levin said he understands the protest.
"I think there's great compassion in the American Jewish community and the diaspora," he said. "We're not a monolithic community. There are lots of voices in our community."
Another rally is planned again for Friday in Palm Beach County.
