Across New York City, the NYPD boosted patrols for demonstrations marking two years since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel.
The NYPD has deployed additional resources to sensitive religious and cultural sites across the city out of an abundance of caution, but they say there are no credible threats.
The second anniversary of the attacks falls on the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which is a day when mourning is not allowed.
So in Central Park on Tuesday afternoon, thousands gathered for a circle of unity to celebrate Jewish life.
Of the 251 people taken hostage by Hamas when militants invaded Israel, 48 remain in captivity. Around 20 of the hostages are believed to still be alive.
The current ceasefire talks in Egypt between Israel and Hamas are giving families of the hostages hope.
On Tuesday, President Trump met with Edan Alexander at the Oval Office.
Alexander, who is from Tenafly, was held by Hamas for 584 days and is believed to have been the last living American in captivity.
As part of the peace deal, Hamas would free all hostages and Israel would release Palestinian poisoners and withdraw forces from Gaza.
The deal could also end the suffering and bloodshed in Gaza where more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The war has detractors both in Israel and around the world.
On Tuesday afternoon, a protest against the war and Israel was held outside the Israeli consulate in Midtown.
The state and city are marking the second anniversary of the Hamas attack by lowering flags to half-staff and illuminating state landmarks and city buildings.
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