Events in U.S., Israel commemorate first anniversary of October 7 terrorist attacks

Monday marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly terrorist attacks on Israel by Palestinian residents of Gaza and Hamas. Jews, Christians and other people of faith will show their support for Israel and the Jewish people on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The “Remembering October 7 Standing with Israel” rally is sponsored by American Christian Leaders for Israel, Generation Zion and the Philos Project.

“This is not a political issue; it’s a human issue,” said Luke Moon, executive director of The Philos Project. “The courage displayed on October 7 is a powerful reminder that in the face of darkness, humanity has the strength to stand up for what is right. We call on people from all walks of life to join us in honoring the heroes of this day, as well as the hostages in Gaza.”

The rally will take place as the war in Gaza continues and as Israel considers its next move against both Iran and Hezbollah, a terrorist organization that resides in Lebanon across Israel’s northern border.

READ: Trump, Biden, Harris to attend Oct 7 events

Meanwhile, people around the world are holding vigils, ceremonies and protests to mark the first anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza, as fighting raged on in the enclave, Reuters reported. The militants killed some 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages to Gaza on October 7 last year, according to Israeli figures.

Ceremonies and protests in Israel began at about 6:29 a.m., the time when Hamas-led militants launched rockets into Israel at the start of the attack last year. In Jerusalem, families of hostages took to the streets near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence.

At the site of the Nova music festival, where hundreds of partygoers and staff were killed and scores of others taken hostage, President Isaac Herzog joined grieving families and friends.

Mourners listened to the last track that was played before it was stopped abruptly, just as it did a year ago at sunrise. In Tel Aviv, people stood still while others blew the Shofar, a ram’s horn used in Jewish religious ceremonies, to mark the anniversary.

No formal events were planned in Gaza on Monday. Israeli forces mounted air and ground offensives in Lebanon and in several areas of Gaza, saying they were attacking Hamas militants and command centers.

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice