HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg held a ceremonial service on Monday to mark the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023 terror attack on Israel carried out by Hamas.
The service was presided over by Rabbis and community leaders in the area and featured singing and traditional prayer.
The attack killed around 1,200 people, with more than 250 taken hostage.
"These were totally innocent people. We're gathered here tonight to just cry out in their memory," said Rabbi Ron Muroff, who helped preside over the service. "They just wanted to grow flowers in their garden and play with their grandchildren.
For the community members in attendance, the memory of the day remains raw.
"It's been a very difficult year," said Reuben Rosenberg of Harrisburg. "It's been a very stressful year. A lot of reflecting, a lot of tears, a lot of concern. I have family and friends who live in Israel. Even today, my brother had to go into a safe room for probably an hour."
The attack kicked off the current conflict between Israel and Hamas which has intensified throughout the Gaza Strip. Over 41,000 people are estimated to have been killed in Gaza since the war began, many of them Palestinian civilians.
Rabbi Muroff says the anniversary represents a chance for all sides to come together and recognize the value of all human life.
"Let's just take a breath," Muroff said. "Let's just recognize each other's humanity. Jew, Muslim, Arab, Israeli, Black, white, every color, every religion. Let's just take a breath and recognize each other's humanity."