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According to organizers, a peaceful, walking protest to raise awareness to stop the killing, release the hostages in the Gaza Strip and respect human life will take place today in downtown Williamsport.
"We are not affiliated with Hamas," said Abdul-Rahim Ali, a spokesman for the Islamic Center of Williamsport, the organization that received a permit and carries insurance for the event.
The assembly will be peaceful and maybe noisy -- with possible bullhorns and shouting -- between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on West Fourth Street, between Pine and Hepburn streets.
"We want to bring awareness to human dignity and life for Palestinians and all others," Ali stressed.
Ali said he and the center fully condemned the attack against Israel on Oct. 7 by Jihadists and attacks against American interests and forces throughout the Middle East.
"We are not going to be innocent bystanders," he said.
Asked about the number of those expected to take part, Ali said he was expecting at least 100 people, some of whom are affiliated with the center and other invited guests.
He said he was aware of the concern expressed by the downtown store owners.
"We are sensitive to the business merchants and do not want to interfere with the people shopping at the stores or being downtown," he said.
The group has been given permission to walk peacefully down the street, not the sidewalk, he said.