On October 7th, 2023, Israel experienced the darkest day in its modern history. What began as a peaceful Sabbath morning quickly transformed into a nightmare that would forever be etched in the collective memory of the Israeli people and the world.

In the early hours of that Saturday morning, Hamas launched an unprecedented and brutal attack against Israel. The assault was swift, coordinated, and devastating in its scope and cruelty. Innocent civilians, including families, children, and elderly individuals, were targeted without warning or mercy. Women and young teen girls were especially cruelly gang raped as an act of war and then viciously killed.

The attack struck at the heart of Israeli communities, particularly those near the Gaza border. The Nova Music Festival, kibbutzim, and peaceful neighborhoods became scenes of unimaginable horror. The world watched in shock as reports emerged of the scale and brutality of the violence perpetrated against innocent people.

Today, the pain continues as families remain separated from their loved ones. Forty-eight hostages (20 believed to be alive and 28 murdered by Hamas) remain in captivity in Gaza, their families living each day with uncertainty and anguish, hoping and praying for their safe return. Each hostage represents not just a number, but a human being with dreams, families, and futures that hang in the balance.

The impact of October 7th extends far beyond the immediate casualties and destruction. It has left deep scars on Israeli society and has reminded the world of the fragility of peace and the preciousness of human life. Communities that once felt secure now grapple with trauma and loss that will take years to heal.

As we remember October 7th, we honor the memory of those who were lost and stand in solidarity with those who continue to suffer. We have a commitment to never forget the human cost of violence and the importance of working toward a future where such tragedies never happen again.

The resilience of the Israeli people in the face of such adversity serves as a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure even in the darkest of times. While the wounds are still fresh and the pain still raw, the commitment to life, hope, and peace remains unbroken.

We remember October 7th not just as a day of tragedy, but as a reminder of our shared humanity and the responsibility we all bear to protect innocent life and work toward a more peaceful world. As our ancestors once said, "NEVER AGAIN" concerning The Holocaust, let us make a new pledge that "Never Again" will there be another October 7th against Israel and the Jewish people.