BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Lehigh-Pocono Committee of Concern held a Vigil For Peace calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war on the corner of 3rd St and Wyandotte St in Southside Bethlehem.
A total of eight people showed up, but the energy was fierce. Those who attended were from all walks of life and spanned generations.
“We’re upset that our two senators and congresswoman aren’t supporting us,” said Kathryn Hoffman as she held a sign that was bigger than she was. “We want our voices to be heard.”
"We want our voices to be heard."Kathryn Hoffman
Hoffman said that they are arranging meetings with both Senator Bob Casey and John Fetterman, as well as with Representative Susan Wild.
LEPOCO holds a monthly vigil on the second Thursday of every month, but recently the organization has added more gatherings due to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
According to their website, “LEPOCO is a non-profit citizens group of more than 500 members, primarily in the Lehigh Valley area of eastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1965 to oppose the war in Vietnam, LEPOCO’s concerns have broadened to include a range of problems that threaten peace and our planet.”
“It’s our tax dollars going to support the genocide in Gaza,” said Carol Beylor, one of the members of LEPOCO.
“It makes us feel like we’re doing something,” said Monica McAghon. “We’re doing our civic duty. This is larger than the U.S., outside of our comfort zone. We’re here for people who can’t be here because of their busy lives."
“It makes us feel like we’re doing something. We’re doing our civic duty. This is larger than the U.S., outside of our comfort zone. We’re here for people who can’t be here because of their busy lives."Monica McAghon
“We’re helping the community and getting honks too,” McAghon joked.