CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Chabad House on the University of Illinois campus has been wrapping their arms around the community during this time of need.
"Today we came together, people of all faiths. People of Jewish faith, Catholic faith, Christian faith, Muslim faith. I can't tell you how many people came over today and said 'I'm this faith and I want you to know that I support what's going on,'" said Rabbi Dovid Tieletch.
Dozens of students held hands, cried, and sang songs in an effort to comfort each other.
Monday marked the third day of the Israel-Hamas war that began with an attack during a major Jewish holiday. Hundreds were killed and over a hundred people were taken hostage. Israel filed a formal declaration of war on Sunday. Nearly 1,600 people have been killed on both sides.
Student Omer Israel said he wants to leave everyone with hope.
"Hope for a better tomorrow, hope that darkness will soon end, hope that our country doesn't bleed anymore. Hope that we will see better times in our generation and the generations after us," said Israel.
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Rabbi Tieletch hoped to inspire people to feel comfortable with their own beliefs.
"I want to give people a message; believe in who you are. Never feel you have to hide. I want students to walk away to feel like they're proud," said Tieletch.
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