Remembrance ceremony held in Central Park to mark 1 year since Hamas attack on Israel
MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, Manhattan (WABC) -- October 7 marked one year since Hamas terrorists carried out the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust.
There were 1,200 people killed and many others were injured after Hamas hit a music festival in the desert, broke into homes and fired rockets into the air.
Approximately 250 people were taken hostage and about 100 of them are still being held captive in Gaza as their families continue to plead for their freedom.
A remembrance candle lighting ceremony took place in Central Park Monday night with members of the Jewish community who remembered those killed, with music and prayer.
The solemn ceremony was under tight security, with a message to never forget, driven home by the faces onstage of survivors of the attacks and family members of victims and hostages, like the parents of Omer Neutra of Long Island, who desperately want a deal to bring him home.
"We're not commemorating October 7th," Neutra's mother Orna Neutra said. "This all started on October 7th. It's still going on. Israel is still at war. The hostages are still in Gaza. This is a prolonged terrorist attack."
Several elected officials like New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams also stood in solidarity. They didn't speak but lit candles.
Mayor Adams was awkwardly distanced from the others, but received cheers from the crowd nonetheless.
A gospel choir marked the support of interfaith leaders.
"Our presence together is a show of strength and solidarity for the people of Israel, the people that live in New York, that practice the Jewish faith and have been a part of the fabric of New York City for so very long," said Bishop Mitchell Taylor with the Center of Hope International.
In the days since the Oct. 7 attack, the world has witnessed an increase of antisemitism and an outpouring of hate directed and Jews and those who support the existence of Israel.
It has happened on campuses, in the streets and at synagogues.
"I'm the child of Holocaust survivors, I never felt that antisemitism was completely dormant, I am totally disappointed that people aren't standing up against it more," said Edy Lucas.
It's a one-two punch that has left Jewish people feeling unsteady and resilient all at once.
"I just I don't understand the antisemitism, and I pray that we can figure out how to live side by side," said Valerie Hartman. "I don't want to tell people how to live their lives, and I just want them to respect my right to live and practice and and stand in this world and be hopefully a beacon of light for all."
City flags were lowered to half-staff and City Hall and other municipal buildings were lit yellow on Monday evening to mark one year since the attacks.
"One year ago today, people of all faiths and creeds gathered at the Nova Music Festival in Israel to sing songs of peace and coexistence. With the brutal murder of more than 1,200 innocent men, women, and children by cowardly terrorists, a part of all of us died that day. Hundreds more were taken hostage in the aftermath, and many still remain in captivity today," said Mayor Adams. "And as we see the devastation wrought on innocent people in the Middle East in the aftermath of this unprovoked attack, the thought of peace becomes even more distant. But that is exactly why we must continue to strive for peace - for the safe return of all of the hostages, for the defeat of Hamas, and for an end to this deadly conflict. To those who plan to use this day to peacefully protest, that is your right. As you do so, remember to follow the law and I ask you to please hold a place in your hearts for those who lost everything a year ago today."
Sen. Chuck Schumer attended a vigil early Monday morning at a synagogue in Brooklyn. He spoke about the somber anniversary and repeatedly alluded to the intense struggle for Jews during WWII.
He said he took time to pray for the hostages who have been murdered by Hamas and for the safe return of those still being held prisoner.
"Hamas thought and hoped that it could scare, frighten the Israeli people, the American people, freedom loving people everywhere into submission, they have failed," Schumer said.
Amid the vigils, officials are also monitored demonstrations from pro-Palestinian supporters.
Thousands marched through the streets of Lower Manhattan, but demonstrations were largely peaceful.
ALSO READ: Israelis to mark 1 year since the October 7th Hamas attack
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