On the one year anniversary of the terrorist events of October 7, 2023, Jewish communities and friends of Israel around the world united in a series of moving and well-attended commemorative events. From Ottawa to Amsterdam, and from Toronto to Manhattan, many thousands gathered to remember the fallen, express support for the families, and renew the call for the release of the abductees.
In Ottawa, the capital of Canada, about a thousand people marched under heavy police security from the city hall to the parliament building. The march was organized by the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and volunteers from the city’s Jewish community. The participants sang songs of peace, called for the return of the abductees, read chapters of the Psalms, and blew the shofar. Elisha Goberman, one of the organizers of the event, emphasized: “Although Jews in the entire world have only one national home, we proved that the Jews in Canada are not afraid to raise their heads despite the rising anti-Semitism. The nation of Israel lives!”
In Toronto, over 40,000 people gathered physically and online for an impressive memorial service at the UJA Federation’s Sherman Campus. The event honored the memory of the nearly 1,200 murdered, expressed support for the wounded and survivors, and renewed the call for the release of the over 100 abductees remaining in Gaza. Jeff Rosenthal, Chair of the Jewish Federation of Toronto, said: “Over the past year, our community has organized to show our support for Israel. It’s been a long year – and our fight is far from over.” Adam Minsky, president and CEO of the federation, added: “We will continue to act by working for a better world.”
In Portugal, a moving memorial service was held at Shaare Tikva Synagogue, the first to be built in the country since the deportation of Portuguese Jews in 1496. The event took place under heavy security following demonstrations by supporters of Palestine outside the compound. Natalie Dadon and her partner Amit attended the event, along with the new ambassador of Portugal, Oren Rosenblatt, and his wife. The ceremony included the lighting of soul candles and a joint prayer for the peace and protection of the Jewish people all over the world.
In the Netherlands, about 2,000 people, most of them Christians, gathered in the town of Barnwald at an event organized by Christians for Israel. The chief rabbi of the Netherlands, Benjamin Jacobs, spoke and emphasized that “anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism”. He led the crowd in singing “Am Yisrael Chai”. Frank van Oordt, the organization’s CEO, emphasized: “We are here not only to mourn, but also to express hope – hope that even in the most difficult times, love and solidarity can triumph over hatred and violence.” Earlier that day, another event took place on Dam Square in Amsterdam, There thousands more gathered to express solidarity with Israel.
In Manhattan, more than 5,000 people attended the dedication of the largest Torah book ever in the city, in honor of the victims of the attacks. The event, organized by the community of young Jewish professionals in the Upper East Side, included a procession through the streets of the Upper East Side and emotional presentations by the families of the murdered and kidnapped. The Torah was decorated with a special cover with the names of those who perished on October 7. Ronen Neutra, the father of Omar Neutra who is still being held in Gaza, shared his pain with the audience. Yair Kaliman, a former lone soldier, said: “Despite the rising hatred, we will not be afraid. We choose to increase positivity and celebrate life.”
In all these events, the main message was uniform: remembrance of the fallen, support for the families, and determination to continue standing by Israel. As Rabbi Yosef Wilhelm of New York summed it up: “The Torah is called the Tree of Life. We honor the lives of the murdered in the eternal life of the Torah. The Jewish response to tragedy has always been and will continue to cherish life, build and grow.”
Apple Tribe, the first chapter of Scouts North America, based in Manhattan, New York, joined iconic Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza for a moving musical tribute at the October 7th anniversary commemoration of the massacre. The event, organized by UJA-Federation of New York and the New York Hostage and Missing Families Forum, took place on the evening of October 7 in Central Park.
The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the tragic day and a show of solidarity with the victims and their families. It featured special performances by Orna and Ronan Nutra, the parents of Omar Nutra, a lone soldier in the Gerin Sabar scouts, and one of the hostages who were captured on that devastating day, and the Israeli singer Eden Golan.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to stand together in memory of those we lost and in support of the families of the missing, demanding that they be brought home now,” said Michal, head of the New York branch, Taphua tribe, Mespas. North America. “Our shared voices with David Broza reflected the strength, resilience and hope of the Jewish people, and the strong bond between Israelis and Jewish Americans in New York.” The commemoration included a series of performances and speeches, which created a space for the community to remember, reflect and connect.