BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- It's been one year since the Hamas terrorist attack that killed an estimated 1,139 Israelis and led to the capture of 251. Since then, tensions in the Middle East have only risen, and those tensions have been felt worldwide, including in Bakersfield. "This is a very difficult day for us," said Rabbi Jonathan Klein of Temple Beth El, who visited Israel last year and witnessed the consequences of the destruction for himself. City of Bakersfield launches ‘The Something Better Podcast’ "The only thing I can compare it to is when I was in Los Angeles after the L.A. riots," said Klein. "There was devastation, there was disorder ... I get tearful just thinking about how disrupted the lives were." President Avital Anders, who also went, remembers Oct. 7 of last year like it was last week. "It was just really disturbing," said Anders. And in the year since, it hasn't been easy. "Because it's been a whole year and attacks against Israelis and Jews have continued the whole year," said Anders. "It's been a very difficult year." This war has been difficult for many to navigate, as it's been one of the most controversial in recent memory. Protests have broken out worldwide, including in the United States, especially at American colleges. Particularly with students protesting in support of Palestine, some becoming rowdy, forcing many schools to shut down or limit operations. Vote-by-mail ballots for 2024 general election now going out to registered Kern County voters That controversy has found its way here as well, with protests at the city council and Valley Plaza Mall. Of course, it's difficult to forget when a woman was arrested after making threatening comments to city council members. "We'll see you at your house, we'll murder you," said Riddhi Patel at the April 10 meeting, prompting police in the building to arrest her. As we've now reached the first anniversary of the beginning of the war, it seems like hopes of a ceasefire have dwindled. But many still hold hope, like those at a prayer for the Middle East today at the Liberty Bell in downtown Bakersfield. "We're at a crossroad right now," said Pastor Angelo Frazier for the Bakersfield police. "The Middle East could explode right now. We don't want that to happen, we want to pray for peace." Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage Rabbi Klein also remains hopeful that a two-state resolution can be reached. "The way we're going to move forward is if the Arab nations and the United States and everyone gets behind the idea that a viable two-state possibility is real," said Klein. "We need to find a way to create peace in the short term, and once that happens, I think there can be a conversation to actually create a two-state possibility."