A group of local students today attended a symposium in Brooklyn to learn more about poverty and the homeless.

The event was organized by students at the Yeshiva of Flatbush to examine homelessness and poverty in America. The students say remembering and helping the needy is part of the ritual to celebrate the upcoming Jewish holiday Purim.

Students say a trip to Washington, D.C. where they met and spoke to homeless people inspired them to organize the symposium.