By Janice Yu

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Hundreds of students from over 100 schools across New York City took to the streets of Midtown on Thursday, demanding an immediate end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Organized by pro-Palestinian groups, the march aimed to call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war that has inflicted severe damage and claimed many lives. Their demonstration culminated in Bryan Park, where passionate young activists voiced their concerns and pleaded for peace in the region.

The timing of these rallies is crucial, as New York City has seen a surge in bias crimes targeting Jews in the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent war. According to the NYPD Hate Crime Task Force, the number of bias incidents investigated in October increased by a staggering 124%. Specifically, anti-Jewish incidents spiked by an alarming 214%.

Despite this rise in hate crimes, the overall number of hate crime investigations throughout the year has actually decreased by 9%, according to the data collected by the NYPD. However, in response to the recent surge, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg introduced new legislation this week aimed at expanding the list of hate crime-eligible charges from 66 to 97, showing a commitment to combating these acts of hatred.

In addition to the student-led rally, the community also showed its support for a local café owner who experienced a walkout by employees due to a dispute related to the war. The café owner, Lucy Yang, received solidarity and understanding from the Manhattan community, highlighting the impact the conflict has had on daily life and relationships within the city.

The walkout by café workers serves as a poignant reminder of how conflicts abroad can ripple through communities and create tensions at home. The support for the café owner demonstrates the need for open dialogue and understanding during times of conflict.

As the Israel-Hamas war continues to escalate, with no immediate resolution in sight, the voices of these students and the concerns they raise resonate with many who hope for a peaceful resolution. The rally in Midtown serves as a powerful reminder that the effects of international conflicts are felt by individuals and communities thousands of miles away, transcending borders and demanding attention.

In the face of rising bias crimes, it is crucial for communities to come together and condemn hatred in all its forms. The rallies organized by the students and the proposed legislation by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg represent steps towards fostering peace and inclusivity within New York City.