The campaign for the release of three Israeli teens abducted on June 12 by Hamas has found its way to soccer’s World Cup in Brazil. Dozens of Brazilians gathered outside a World Cup stadium in Rio de Janeiro to try to raise awareness among the hundreds of journalists and many fans from around the globe.

The rally was one of many held around the world but it was considered more symbolic, because there were fears that the plight of the kidnapped teens would be overshadowed by the soccer in Brazil.

Gatherings of support took place place in many countries including the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. Muslims joined forces with Jews, Christians and others in Arizona in a show of solidarity with the teenagers.

In Brazil, the demonstrators’ signs read “Bring Back Our Boys Now” and “3 Israeli Boys Kidnapped by Terrorists.”

During the Rio rally, Chairman of the Centro Kehila organization Rami Avigdor gave a powerful speech:

“…we decided to deliver the scream of the kidnapped teens at the event that the world is watching every day.”

Israeli Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Eli Ben-Dahan told the crowd

“You have proven that the effort to return our kidnapped teens crosses continents and unites Jews around the world.”

They finished their demonstration with communal prayer and tearfully sang the Israeli national anthem.

The international media continues to monitor the story. Rachel Fraenkel, mother of American citizen Naftali, one of the three boy, spoke with CNN, The Washington Post and AP.

[Photos: Jcsalmon / Wiki Commons]