Today marks one year since the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023. On this day of remembrance, we stand united with the people of Israel, the global Jewish community, and all those affected by this tragedy. We mourn the 1,200 innocent lives brutally taken from us on that terrible day ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

We mourn the 1,200 innocent lives brutally taken from us on that terrible day and the hundreds more lost in the ensuing months, and continue to work with our partners toward the safe return of the 101 hostages still remaining in Hamas captivity.

The events of October 7th have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. They have challenged our sense of security and tested the resilience of our communities. Yet, in the face of such adversity, we have witnessed extraordinary strength, compassion, and unity.

Over the past year, JCRC-NY has undertaken several significant initiatives in response to this crisis:

Solidarity Missions to Israel: We have organized and led multiple delegations to Israel, allowing community leaders and elected officials to witness firsthand the impact of the attacks and express solidarity with the Israeli people.
Israel Day on 5th: We led an unprecedented gathering of 50,000+ New Yorkers, centered around the families of hostages, demonstrating our community's unwavering support and keeping the plight of the hostages at the forefront of public consciousness.
Nova Exhibition Visits: We facilitated visits to the Nova Music Festival Exhibition with elected officials, community leaders, faith leaders, and New York City Public School leadership, providing a powerful and poignant reminder of the human toll of the October 7th attacks.
Educational Outreach: Our work in colleges and K-12 schools has intensified, focusing on combating misinformation and antisemitism, providing necessary crisis response and advocacy for Jewish students, and working closely with school administration to ensure that every student remains safe.

As we reflect on this somber anniversary, we also look to the future with hope and determination. We remain committed to fostering understanding and working towards a future where such tragedies are consigned to the dustbin of history.

May the memories of those we lost be a blessing, and may their lives inspire us to create a better tomorrow. JCRC-NY stands resolute in our commitment to our community, to Israel, and to the enduring values of human dignity and mutual respect that guide us forward.