On Sunday night, Oct. 8, close to 250 Binghamton University students gathered to show their support for the people of Israel. This student-sponsored rally included Tehillim, singing and a student speaker.

The following night, another rally was held, organized by the combined efforts of the university’s Jewish organizations, and attended by hundreds of Jewish students and supporters. Rabbi Aaron Slonim, director of the Chabad of Binghamton for close to four decades, addressed the students, imploring them to take on a mitzvah in the merit of one of the victims of the recent terrorist bombings and attacks in Israel. Students recited Tehillim and tefillot, and all joined together in song, standing together in solidarity.

“We should usher in a true and complete peace and only get together for happy occasions. Am Yisrael Chai,” said Rabbi Slonim.

The gathering concluded with the students chanting “Am Yisrael Chai” three times, and then singing “Esah Einai” together, arms around each other, with the university library tower glowing blue and white in the distance.