During the midst of the high holidays for the Jewish community, many have Oct. 7 on their mind as an immediate reflection. Today marks one year since Hamas broke through the Gaza Strip, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250, many Israelis.
Israel responded to the attack, the deadliest in the country’s history, by launching one of the most destructive military campaigns in recent history. The war in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, displaced most of the territory’s 2.3 million people and caused widespread hunger.
One year since war in the Middle East reignited, Jewish communities in the greater Boston area will gather today to pray and pause for moments of silence through vigils and remembrances.
An Evening of Remembrance & Hope
7-8:30 p.m. Monday at Boch Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston
The Combined Jewish Philanthropies will host “An Evening of Remembrance & Hope,” along with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston and Israeli American Council New England. “On October 7, we woke up to a different world,” says the CPJ website.
October 7th Vigil (Harvard)
5-6 p.m. Monday at The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, 1 Harvard Yard, Cambridge
Harvard Hillel hosts a memorial and vigil in a gathering of “solidarity, unity, and hope.” “Let our voices unite in a powerful plea for the return of the hostages,” the group posted.
October 7th Vigil (Tufts)
7-8:30 p.m. Monday at The Granoff Family Hillel Center, 220 Packard Ave., Medford
Tufts Hillel will be joining together for their memorial to mourn and remember all the lives lost.
October 7th Vigil (Northeastern)
7 p.m. Monday at Northeastern University, Krentzman Quad, 350 Huntington Ave., Boston
Northeastern Hillel hosts a vigil on the Krentzman Quad. At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Hillel is hosting a NOVA festival survivor, Daniel Vaknin. At 9 p.m. Wednesday, they will be baking favorite recipes of hostages still held in captivity with Challah for Hunger. All events are free, RSVP required.
October 7th Memorial Kumzitz & Concert
7-9 p.m. Monday at Chabad of Peabody Jewish Center, 682 Lowell St., Peabody
Chabad of Peabody will be hosting a memorial Kumzitz, a musical gathering that Jews partake in, and a concert led by Duvy Burston, who will sing Israeli melodies, original songs and honoring the memory of those taken. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
One Year Later
7 p.m. Monday at Worcester Jewish Community Center, 633 Salisbury St., Worcester
The Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts hosts a community-wide memorial service.
Marking One Year
6-7 p.m. Monday at Congregation B’nai Israel, 253 Prospect Street, Northampton
Names of hostages and victims will be read along with a photo gallery. At 7 p.m., there will be a moment of silence, followed along with prayers, songs, poetry, music, and “Hatikvah,” the national anthem of Israel. Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts. Free, but reservation are encouraged.
Screening of ‘Beyond October 7th: The Story of the Gad Family from Be’eri’
7-8:20 p.m. Monday at Temple Beth El, 979 Dickinson St., Springfield
The Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts hosts a screening of the film “Beyond October 7th: The Story of the Gad Family from Be’eri.”
Security will be present at both events.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Rachel Umansky-Castro can be reached at rachel.umanskycastro@globe.com.