Local Officials Reflect on One-Year Anniversary of October 7th Attack

By Williamsburg 365 Staff

As the world marks the one-year anniversary of the devastating terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli soil, local officials have taken to public platforms to express their solidarity with the victims and their families.

Governor Kathy Hochul reflected on the tragedy, stating: "October 7, 2023. More than a thousand innocent people were murdered in a vile and cowardly act of hate and terror. It wasn't just an attack on the Jewish people. It was an attack on all who believe in peace. Tonight, we gathered to remember."

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ posted on X: "One year ago, the people of Israel experienced the most horrific terrorist attack. Thousands of innocent people murdered in the most barbaric ways, ripped from their families and taken hostage, and an entire country devastated. We will never forget the pain of that day. That attack was felt deeply by Jewish people around the world, and in the year since, we have seen an alarming increase in antisemitism. We cannot allow the Jewish community or any other people to live in fear of antisemitism or any other form of hate. Today, we remember the thousands of lives that were stolen. We pray for the safe return of all the hostages. We pray for peace and an end to hate. And we pray for the safety and healing of our Jewish communities and every community that is hurting.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams wrote: “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. 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.”

Council Member Lincoln Restler wrote: "On this day, we remember the horrific terrorist attack against Israeli civilians on October 7th. This brutal loss of Jewish life has left deep scars here in Brooklyn and across the world. This Yahrzeit is a painful day. May their memories always be a blessing. A year later, it’s devastating that many hostages have still not been returned to their families & so many thousands of Palestinians have been killed. Jewish tradition tells us every life has value. I hope that can guide us as we strive for a new year full of peace & compassion."

More reflections from local leaders and officials are expected as the day progresses, and will be posted here.

photo: Shutterstock