A year ago violent Hamas terrorists crossed into Israel, raided a music festival, murdered 1,200 civilians, and took over 250 people hostage, some American, into the dens and tunnels of their terror hiding places.
Jewish organizations and synagogues worldwide paused on Oct 7 to remember and then take up the fight again.
Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center hosted ‘Run For Their Lives - Commack, NY’ event marking one year since the devastating attack on October 7, 2023. This isn’t a memorial so much as a ‘still standing strong’ commemoration event because the battle continues every day on the ground and in the tunnels against the terrorists and to rescue any hostages that may still be alive – including 7 Americans still being held.
Run organizers said, “What an emotional day for all. We appreciate the support from the local representatives, candidates, and clergy. We heard from Omer Neutra's brother, Daniel, and his cousin, Yasmin. Regardless of anyone's political beliefs or religious beliefs, we were united to advocate for a hostage release and an end to anti-Semitism.”
John Avalon with Team Avalon who participated in the run said, “One year ago on 10/7/23, Israel suffered a horrific terrorist attack from Hamas - the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The effects of this attack reverberate to this day. We will not forget and we will not rest until all 101 remaining hostages are released. #Bring Them Home Now”
Kurt Roth said, “We continue to inform the community of the continuing hostage crises in any way we can. We continue to be the perpetual optimists that Run for their Lives would make a difference and bring the hostages home. But despite running and walking every Sunday, here we are still talking about 101 people, 7 Americans, being held against their will. I hope and pray that we get to celebrate their release in the very near future.”
Rabbi Gadi Capela read a poem written by someone who lived through the attack. And summed up the sentiment of the poem by saying, “Together we will win.”
Senator Mario Mattera (R,C-Smithtown, Commack) “I was so proud to join the RunforLivesCommack to mark the one-year mark of the horrifying Hamas attack on Israel. It is so important that the innocent hostages being held are released and I am proud to once again join this group of advocates who walk every single Sunday.”