Great Neck residents gathered Sunday night in a rally to support Israel a week after Hamas militants launched a deadly, surprise attack in the country.
The crowd filled the lawn of Village Green Park for the "Unite For Israel" rally. They blasted a siren to honor those who died during the attack.
Hundreds of people came together, chanting and waving Israeli flags while wiping tears with the hope to send a message of support.
"The whole global communication -- it just strengthens that. A wider sense of unity and that we're all in this together," said resident Andrew Dienstag.
Nassau officials, community leaders and residents watched a big screen as Israeli citizens and a paratrooper unit of the Israeli Defense Force Zoomed to speak with the crowd.
"We're here today to actually listen to people who are there right now," said Abigail Eleyahouzadeh.
The rally also called for unity not just today but going forward.
"We stand together, we support each other and we're strong, and no one can take us down and we're always going to come together," Dienstag said.
During the rally, one student speaker announced that Great Neck North High School students are planning a walk out at 1 p.m. on Tuesday to show their support for Israel.