MICHEL MARTIN, HOST:
Good morning, Leila. Could you just start us off by describing the mood where you are?
LEILA FADEL, HOST:
I mean, here in Jerusalem, also in Tel Aviv, it is not the bustling city it usually is. There is quiet here, tension, people in their homes because there is a war.
MARTIN: And, Leila, back here in Washington, D.C...
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UNIDENTIFIED MUSICAL GROUP: (Singing in non-English language).
MARTIN: ...Last night, hundreds of people gathered to show support for the victims of the Hamas attacks and also to take comfort in each other.
HUNTER BENSON: My name is Hunter Benson (ph). My first reaction was just very heartbroken and distraught.
MATTHEW GEVER: My name is Matthew Gever (ph). A lot of emotions feeling upset, angry, sad, just tired. It's hard because it just feels like it's not going to stop for a while, and after a while, you just kind of go numb.
MIGUEL TEBLUM: Miguel Teblum (ph). Felt profound sadness and anger because we find ourselves again here after all this time with needless loss of life for absolutely no reason.
GEVER: It's easy to get caught up in anger and hate and emotion. But just remember, everyone outside is a human being somewhere with a family. And just remember that before you start demonizing.
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UNIDENTIFIED MUSICAL GROUP: (Singing in non-English language).
FADEL: The vigil was held at the synagogue of the Adas Israel Congregation. Among those who turned out were Samantha Goldstein (ph), Robin Weiner (ph) and Yosh Halberstam (ph).
SAMANTHA GOLDSTEIN: I'm seeing terrible reports of just barbaric acts and needed to be around the community tonight for some support.
ROBIN WEINER: Here to support Israel and because what's happened is just absolutely atrocious and heartbreaking.
YOSH HALBERSTAM: I'm in a lot of pain. And I think what's most important for Israelis to see now is as many bodies and flags out in solidarity with them 'cause they're in the most painful position possible, and they're grieving, and they don't have the privilege like us to just grieve. This is the minimum that I could do, is just show up and show solidarity with them.
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UNIDENTIFIED MUSICAL GROUP: (Singing in non-English language). Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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