Thousands gathered over the weekend for emotional commemorations marking the one-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, att*ck by the Palestinian mil!tant group Hamas on Israel. These events unfolded against the backdrop of an ongoing and intense conflict in the Middle East.
The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 individuals, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, which also includes hostages k!lled while in captivity. In retaliation, Israel’s military offensive has led to the deaths of at least 41,870 people in the Gaza Strip, most of whom are civilians, according to the territory’s health ministry, figures recognized as reliable by the United Nations.
Additionally, Israel’s actions have prompted military offensives against Hezbollah and raised concerns over potential retaliation against Iran following a recent attack involving 200 ballistic miss!les from Iran.
Vigils, memorials, and marches were held in cities including Tel Aviv, London, Paris, and Berlin. In Tel Aviv, friends and relatives of the 370 individuals killed in the Nova festival massacre participated in a candlelight vigil at a concert hall on Sunday evening. In London, thousands gathered in Hyde Park, waving Israeli flags and holding placards with the phrase “bring them home,” featuring the faces of hostages still held by Palestinian militants in Gaza. Photos of the deceased were shown on a big screen as attendees lit candles in their memory.
Henry Grunwald, chair of the organizing committee, emphasized the importance of honoring the victims, stating, “We want to remember the people who have been br*tally m*rdered, and we want the world to remember.”
Mandy Damari, whose daughter Emily was among the 251 hostages taken by Hamas, expressed her deep longing: “I need to hug her again, and I need to see her smile.”
In Berlin, around 650 people attended a commemoration on Saturday, where police detained 26 individuals for shouting insults at participants. In Paris, thousands gathered on Sunday to pay tribute to the victims.
Robert Zbili, president of the National Jewish Fund, remarked, “We’re here in support of Israel, the Israeli people, in memory of those who were killed and for those who were k!dnapped.”
Reflecting on the anniversary, Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog, visited the site of the attack and acknowledged the nation’s ongoing pain. Before starting a three-day commemoration tour, Herzog stated, “A year has passed since life came to a halt, the skies darkened, and all of us witnessed the monstrous cruelty of the enemy that sought to bring destruction upon the Jewish people, the State of Israel, and Israeli society.” He pledged to “rebuild and restore” Israel, emphasizing that efforts will continue until all hostages are freed from Hamas.
In a video message, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Daniel Meron, called on the UN to “condemn Hamas in writing in one resolution.”
The anniversary has heightened tensions, raising fears that the ongoing confl!ct could escalate into a broader war.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “One year on from these horr!fic attacks, we must unequivocally stand with the Jewish community and unite as a country. We must never look the other way in the face of hate.” He called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and advocated for the unimpeded flow of aid into Gaza, highlighting the suffering of civilians amid the confl!ct.