COLUMBUS, Ohio — Protests continue around the world after six hostages taken by Hamas were killed during a rescue attempt amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.

Their deaths are increasing calls for a ceasefire.

The Jewish community came together on Ohio State’s campus Tuesday to remember the victims during a vigil put together by over a dozen Jewish organizations in central Ohio.

It was also to call on Hamas to release the approximately 65 other hostages who are believed to still be alive.

“My roommate, Micah Goldstein, his cousin was Hersh, one of the hostages that was killed, so we decided one, to come out here to support him, but also we just feel a sense of community here,” said Alec Dubin, a freshman at Ohio State University.

Dubin and his friends are all out-of-state students but say they felt a sense of community on campus during the vigil. Dubin thinks the vigil had a successful turnout and they planned it quickly.

“Those students worked on a Sunday night, while I was in the library getting this together for all of us, and I thought it was amazing,” Dubin said.

“I was not at all surprised to see so many people. In fact, I expected it,” said Rabbi Hillel Skolnik, Senior Rabbi Congregation Tifereth Israel.

Skolnik spoke at the vigil. He said there is still much work to be done to bring the other hostages home.

“It feels like an impossible burden especially for those of us who live outside of Israel, and even for those who live inside of Israel,” Skolnik said.

He said the message he has is simple. He said regardless of people’s place in the world, everyone has an effect and can make a difference, and the students and community members showed out. 

“I was touched by the stories and the words of the students and inspired by their courage as I am by the outpouring of love and support from members of the community,” Skolnik said.

The rabbi said this is a time of struggle, and community coming together is important.