Pray for peace: Northwest Georgia community holds vigil as Israel-Hamas war escalates

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. - Bartow County residents gathered together Tuesday night outside the courthouse for a community prayer vigil. As the violence in the Israel-Hamas war escalates, they prayed for the wounded, the hostages, the families of the dead. And they prayed for peace.

"When you start praying, things change," said Darla Williams.

The community prayer vigil was the idea of Williams. She said seeing the images of the war on television made her feel helpless and her heart told her she had to gather everyone together to pray.

"I just felt we had to come together to show our support to Israel," said Williams.

"I think it’s a beautiful expression of the solidarity and support that Israel has here in Georgia, and the Southeast," said Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeast U.S.

Sultan-Dadon says images like this community prayer are relayed to Israeli’s, they know they are not alone.

"Standing with Israel today is about standing with humanity. It is standing for good as Israel is fighting terrorists. We are fighting evil," said Sultan-Dadon.

New Beginnings Church Pastor Barry Garland was in Israel just 4 weeks ago, days before the first attack by armed Hamas fighters.

"I believe God has his hand on Israel and all the people of Israel," said Pastor Garland.

"This is where we need to be, to show Israel we stand with them," said Shane Stork, who was at the vigil.

As they sat outside the Bartow County courthouse, everyone lit a candle and prayed for peace. 

"It’s a sign of peace when you hold a candle in the dark. It’s peace and unity," said Williams. 

During this vigil, it was announced that the city of Cartersville unanimously passed a resolution in support of Israel.