Nashville nonprofit to commemorate first anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – On the first anniversary of the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel, people across Music City are gathering to commemorate the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants raided Southern Israel, killing nearly 1,200 and taking more than 250 hostages into Gaza. One year later, around 100 of those captured have not been released, a third of whom are believed to be dead.
"It's unfathomable," said Rabbi Dan Horwitz with the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. "For many in the Jewish community. It's still October 7, 2023. We have not been able to wake up from the nightmare that took place a year ago."
Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts →
Horwitz said it's been an incredibly challenging year for the Jewish people.
"In the Jewish community, you're pretty much one degree from somebody in Israel who either themselves was killed or taken hostage, or an immediate family member or loved one was," Horwitz said. "It's a small Jewish world, and as a result, the impact of October 7 has been felt by the Jewish community globally."
During these difficult times, Horwitz said that support from non-Jews has been greatly appreciated.
"The Jewish tradition makes pretty clear that the best way to pray is as part of a group," Horwitz said. "To the Jewish community, it's making sure that everyone knows, regardless of whether or not they happen to be affiliated with a particular house of worship, that they're welcome and they should come and be with the Jewish community to stand together in these challenging times so we never feel alone in these moments."
According to the Anti-Defamation League , more than 10,000 antisemitic incidents occurred between Oct. 7, 2023, and Sept. 24, 2024, a 200% increase from the same timeframe a year before.
Because of statistics like that, Horwitz told News 2 that local events are planned strategically to ensure the safety and security of the attendees.
Read today's top stories on wkrn.com
"Whatever the highest level of security awareness is, we've been there and remained there since October 7, a year ago," Horwitz said. "There's no question that we are on high alert. Concerns over safety should never be a reason for Jewish people to not be able to assemble together in the community, and we do everything in our power to make sure that that is the case." On Monday night, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville is hosting an Oct. 7 commemoration ceremony. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with an audio and visual experience featuring footage of destruction as well as stories of hope and heroism. A program will follow at 7 p.m. with guest speakers and musical performances. The nonprofit expects the evening will be moving and emotional. For the event location and details, you must RSVP at JewishNashville.org .
