Memorial Service To Honor Hamas Oct. 7 Terror Attacks Victims

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Jewish residents of Howard County will gather Oct. 24 to commemorate one year since the Hamas terror attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, which is considered the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

The event, organized by the Chabad-Lubavitch of Howard County, will feature a memorial ceremony for the more than 1,200 victims of the Oct. 7 terror attacks, as well as a program celebrating the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.

“Remembering the victims of Oct. 7 is not just about our collective grief. It’s about honoring the souls of those who were taken from us, as well as the strength and resilience of our people,” said Rabbi Yanky Baron, development director of Chabad Lubavitch of Howard County. “We’re doing the memorial event on Oct. 24, the Hebrew anniversary of the terror attacks, which also falls on the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.”

The ceremony will begin at 5:45 p.m. at Chabad Lubavitch of Howard County, 770 Howes Lane, with the recitation of “Yizkor,” a traditional memorial prayer to commemorate lost loved ones, followed by a memorial service then an inter-generational candle-lighting ceremony, which will usher in the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. This holiday celebrates the conclusion and re-starting of the annual Torah reading cycle and is observed with singing, dancing and a procession with the Torah. A full-course Kosher dinner served with vegan options will be served. There also will be a special children’s program with food, flags, kid’s meal and Simchat Torah celebration.

“We’ve invited all Jews in Howard County to join us for the memorial and Simchat Torah celebration,” Rabbi Baron said. “The juxtaposition of sadness and joy is found throughout Jewish life, and we encourage those who’ve never experienced the holiday to join us for this event.”

Local civic and interfaith leaders have been invited to attend Thursday evening’s event, including Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, members of the Howard County Council and representatives from the Maryland State Legislature and U.S. Congress.

The Howard County Police Department will be assisting to employ additional security measures at the event. Private security also will be on site for the event.