(WAND) — Hundreds of people participated in a rally supporting Israel Tuesday morning outside the North Shore Congregation Israel in suburban Glencoe. Gov. JB Pritzker and other elected leaders said the attacks by Hamas are inhumane and the organization must be stopped.

“Prayers are called for, but they are not enough,” Pritzker said. “Not nearly enough. Children, students, elderly, mothers and fathers, innocents are dead and injured at the hands of Hamas.”

Pritzker condemned the recent attacks and stressed that Illinois will stand alongside Israel and human rights. He also noted that people should honor peaceful Palestinians.

Israel strikes and seals off Gaza after incursion by Hamas, which vows to execute hostages.

Although, the Jewish leader said the world now knows Hamas is a terrorist organization backed by Iran.

“Executing innocent children and the elderly, well there’s a special kind of hell for that. And now the whole world can see,” Pritzker said. “The images and videos of the invasion, the slaughtering of Israeli families and the kidnapping of loved ones is sickening.”

State and federal lawmakers joined the chorus of Illinoisans denouncing the attacks against innocent Israelis and tourists in the region. Comptroller Susana Mendoza recently visited Israel and spoke of great relationships created with Israelis and Palestinians. The Democrat said she is devastated that over 900 people have already died.

“As a percentage of population, it dwarfs the number of people killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks against our country,” Mendoza said. “The same is true for the hostages taken. It’s just unimaginable.”

Suburban faith leaders prayed and sang with the elected officials and Anti-Defamation League to show unwavering support for those on the front lines of the battle.

“We are standing united, shoulder to shoulder, to defend our home and our country, our one and only Jewish state,” stressed Yinam Cohen, the Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. “We will overcome and we will prevail.”

Pritzker also noted that the Illinois State Police will be watching synagogues and other gathering places across the state to ensure Jewish people remain safe. While there is currently no threat in Illinois, Pritzker said everyone should be vigilant.

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