GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Oct. 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas militants has lead to a yearlong conflict that has left tens of thousands dead and many displaced. The shockwaves are still felt around the world, including in West Michigan.
In Kalamazoo, more than 50 people lined a part of West Michigan Avenue with signs and Palestinian flags, calling for an end to the fighting and U.S. military aid to Israel. Between each person, a rope strung together baby clothes, a reminder of the more than 16,900 children killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health leaders.
Mideast violence is spiraling a year since the Gaza war began
Joseph Hayden was one of the people demonstrating. While he has no personal connection to Gaza, he was drawn to join the protest with his family.
“We can spend a lot of money on war, like 50 to 100, a 150 billion worth of dollars. But I think it would be a lot nicer if that money would be translated into a safe place for people,” he said.
A father himself, he said seeing the images of families torn apart by the war has been “disheartening.”…