Community leaders held a peace rally Sunday to bring the community together and put an end to the recent gang violence in the area.

The event, which was called ?Reclaiming Our Youth and Community,? took place in Memorial Park and featured musical performers and celebrities. Dozens of people from all over the community gathered in response to the recent gang violence on their streets.

?As we've gone on in the last 10 to 20 years, there's been an introduction of guns and knives,? organizer and youth educator Jim Murphy says. ?And that just brings [the violence] to a whole new level.?

Recent examples of violence include a teen who was recently stabbed four times on the streets of Nyack. Another teen was hit with a hammer. Police say nearly 50 kids from Nyack and Spring Valley were involved in the attacks, many armed with similar weapons. While some attacked one another, others attacked parked cars, using their weapons to smash out windows.

Many people say the increase in violence is exactly the reason why they came to the rally. ?It brings everyone together and shows it?s a big deal about what?s going on,? attendee Tori Valdez says.

Organizers say they hope the event will ultimately offer a solution to violence through healing and guidance.