Pro-Palestine group blocks State College traffic during protest on anniversary of Hamas attacks

A group of pro-Palestine protesters blocked some streets as they marched through downtown State College Monday evening, while members of Penn State’s Jewish community marked the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks with events including a vigil.

The group Penn State Students for Justice in Palestine started its “One year of Genocide Protest” at the Allen Street gates around 5:30 p.m. Monday and began marching through the downtown area, blocking traffic. After marching down College Avenue and Allen Street, by about 6:45 p.m., the large group of protesters was back at the Allen Street gates.

Monday marks the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel. Thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators have taken part in protests across the globe in the days leading up to the anniversary of the attacks, which triggered the war in Gaza.

Jewish communities across the world have also gathered to mark the anniversary and remember the 1,200 people killed and more than 250 hostages taken a year ago by Hamas. Penn State Hillel held several events Monday including a “Let HERE by Light” 10/7 commemoration at the HUB-Robeson Center Monday afternoon and a student-led vigil at Old Main at 6:30 p.m. Therapists and therapy dogs were also available throughout the day.

There was some police presence downtown and on campus Monday evening. By about 7:15 p.m., the group at the Allen Street gates had mostly dispersed.

This story was originally published October 7, 2024 at 6:46 PM.