According to the local Jewish community, the day was a possibility for people of all faiths to assemble and remember those that died within the attacks, in addition to those that were taken hostage and haven’t yet been released.
In Palo Alto, the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center hosted “An Evening of Remembrance and Hope.” Many participants stopped on the method to the event to light candles and think about an exhibition by photojournalist Zia Koren commemorating the attacks.
One man wore a shirt that said “Take her home now,” while others wore yellow.
“I wish I was in Israel right now with my family and loved ones,” said Daphna Bhajayo, who attended the event and is from Israel. Her cousin's son was kidnapped and declared “kidnapped dead” after he went to defend his kibbutz, the Israeli community.
“There is not a single family in Israel that did not suffer after October 7, with at least one family member affected by these terrible, terrible events,” Bhajayo continued.
About 1,200 people were killed and one other 250 taken hostage in Hamas' surprise cross-border attack, in response to the Associated Press. Many of the roughly 100 individuals who remain captive are feared dead.
In response, Israel waged war against Hamas in Gaza, where the fighting killed greater than 41,000 people and displaced around 1.9 million, the AP reported.
The conflict has spread across the region. According to the AP, Israel is currently fighting Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, faces increasing threats from Yemen's Houthi rebels and is grappling with a growing conflict with Iran, which supports Hezbollah and the Houthis.
Between 2,500 and three,000 people attended the event on the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center.
“One year ago, our lives changed forever,” said Zach Bodner, the middle’s CEO and president. “A year ago the Jewish world was hurt. One year ago, on October 7, 2023, Israel experienced the most devastating terrorist attack in its history.”
Several rabbis led the prayers of those present. A song was also sung for individuals who remain in captivity.
Eytan Berman, one in every of two Israel Defense Forces soldiers who spoke on the event, said he learned many lessons on October 7.
“One of those lessons I would like to share with all of you: No matter how hard we get hit, we will come out stronger,” Berman said. “I implore you to hold your head high, walk with pride and never hide your identity, especially during these times.”
In Hebrew, Uriel told Bohbot that his brother was kidnapped while working on the Nova Music Festival. Bohbot said he figured it out
Another speaker, Uriel Bohbot, shared that his brother was kidnapped while working on the Nova Music Festival. He learned of the kidnapping when he saw his sibling in a video posted by Hamas.
“I cannot describe the feelings I have felt since that moment,” said Bohbot, whose words were translated into English and projected on a screen for the gang to see. “This is the beginning of a nightmare that my family has suffered ever since.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Originally published:
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