Neighbors and elected officials came together in Coney Island on Monday to honor the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack on Israel by Hamas.
The event, organized by Chabad Neshama, drew a large crowd of local community members who came together to remember the lives lost in the attack and the hostages still held captive. The somber event took place outside the Chabad center, with flickering candles symbolizing unity and solidarity with the victims and their families – some of whom are still hoping for the return of their loved ones.
During the attack, 1,200 people were killed, and 251 Israelis and foreigners were kidnapped. While over 100 hostages have been released, 97 remain in captivity.
Rabbi Moshe Wiener, who leads Chabad Neshama, opened the ceremony with words of prayer and reflection.
Local leaders, including Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny and former City Council Member Ari Kagan, also attended, expressing their condolences and calling for unity in the wake of the ongoing conflict.
Kagan also attended a walk and vigil on Sunday in Sheepshead Bay, organized by “Run for Their Lives.” The grassroots organization, which has chapters worldwide, holds weekly walks and runs, demanding the immediate release of the hostages.
On Sunday, he told attendees that Jews were no longer silent in the face of the rise in antisemitism.
According to data by the Anti-Defamation League, in the U.S., antisemitic incidents in the three months after the Oct. 7 massacre rose by 361% compared to the same period in 2022. In New York, reports of antisemitic incidents were 508% higher in the fourth quarter of 2023 than during the same period in 2022, the ADL reported.
The assault prompted a significant military response from Israel, with airstrikes targeting Gaza in an effort to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure. Since then, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s Health Ministry.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice estimated more than 40 Americans were killed in the Oct. 7 attack.
With reporting by Erica Price
