Around the globe, Jewish communities held ceremonies, services, and other events in commemoration of the first anniversary of October 7.
In Tidewater, Governor Glenn Youngkin declared October 7 as an official state day of remembrance for victims of the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israel. During his remarks at the Community Commemoration of the Tidewater Jewish Community, Youngkin reiterated his stand with Israel, his fight against antisemitism, and his universal support for the Jewish community.
The event on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus, which included speakers from the Jewish community, elected officials from Virginia, Jewish and non-Jewish clergy, and two students from Old Dominion University’s Hillel, was attended by hundreds of people and represented a broad spectrum of Tidewater.
David Leon, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s board president, said he does not consider the one-year anniversary as a normal remembrance or memorial, since the emotional and physical wounds are still fresh, and the existential threat that Israel faces from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran is ongoing. He added “This war has nothing to do with a two-state solution. This is a battle between good and evil. And Israel is on the front lines.”
Noah Gross, UJFT intern, a senior at Old Dominion University, and vice president of its Hillel, shared his experience on a college campus. He has witnessed professors who preach hate, and he has feared the rhetoric of protesters. During a recent Birthright trip, he felt safe and empowered as a Jewish man, even as he looked towards the Gaza border. Referring to the lives lost and the hostages still in captivity, Gross said, “I live every day to the fullest. I live every day for those who can’t.”
Attorney General Jason Miyares spoke of his 48-hour visit to Israel last November, when he visited Kibbutz Be’eri and how he could still “smell death.” He shared the grim sight of a bedroom where a young girl was murdered. “This was an attack on everyone who lives for freedom and democracy.” Miyares noted that 43 Americans were also killed by Hamas that day.
Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberg of B’nai Israel Congregation read prayers for the hostages and Israel Defense Forces soldiers. Virginia Beach Delegate Alex Askew quoted Martin Luther King when discussing antisemitism, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Virginia Beach Councilman Joash Schulman recited the prayer for the State of Israel. Reverand Dr. Antipas Harris of the Urban Renewal Center said, “…here, in our own communities, we can choose to foster unity. We can reject the forces of division, antisemitism, racism, bigotry, and hate. Jews and Blacks have suffered together in American history. We have stood together and fought for justice. We must stand together now.”
Betty Ann Levin, executive vice president/CEO of UJFT, shared that the local emergency campaign raised more than $4.8 million, which was part of the more than $850 million raised by the 146 communities comprising the Jewish Federations of North America. She added how this Rosh Hashanah was different. “There has never been a greater moment in our lifetimes to hear the battle cry of the shofar and fight for the renewal of the people of Israel. Am Yisrael Chai – the people of Israel live.”
The commemoration concluded with Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem, sung by fourth and fifth graders of Strelitz International Academy.
