It's been heartbreaking for Nadia Abu-Zahra to watch the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
The University of Ottawa professor is one of the organizers of the rally that saw over a thousand protesters march through the streets of downtown Ottawa to Parliament Hill. But she's also a mother of two.
"It's penetratingly difficult," she says. "The children who are killed, the children who are injured, resemble my children. Those children have the misfortune to be born in the wrong place, but that's not sufficient to kill them."
Health officials have confirmed that the death toll in the conflict has surpassed 1,000. That's causing those with family in the region to worry about their loved ones.
Nabil Abuzaraybah is one of them. Both of his parents were raised in Gaza. They went back for a vist, but are now trapped there because of the conflict.
"I'm extremely worried," he says. "Three days ago, I had the chance to actually speak with them. Every day we keep on trying, whether it's day or night. It depends on when the power comes back on...it's a very difficult situation."
The protesters made their way down Elgin Street before moving through the Byward Market. The demonstration ended at Parliament Hill, where people had the names of those that have been killed on their chests while laying on the steps.
Janan Arafa is with the Association of Palestinian-Arab Canadians and another organizer of the event. She also has family in Gaza, but is hoping the efforts today will encourage the Canadian government to reassess their view of the situation.
"I hope it sends a big message," Arafa says. "Not just to the community or society...but our government that has repeatedly taken Israel's side and not even once considered the Palestinian side."
