Hoboken Officials Respond To Anniversary Of Oct. 7 Hamas Attack In Israel

HOBOKEN, NJ — Security was increased in Hoboken on Monday in response to the first anniversary of the Hamas terror attack in Israel a year ago.

A public safety spokesperson said, "The Hoboken Police Department is providing extra security to Hoboken Synagogue today, Oct. 7. This is out of an abundance of caution and not based on any specific threats."

In the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre, the terrorist group Hamas killed more than 1,200 people in Israel, including more than 300 at a music festival, and kidnapped other adults and children from their homes.

Since then, more than 30,000 Palestinian adults and children have been killed as a result of the resulting fighting, international media agencies have reported.

Activist groups have spoken out, both urging for the hostages to be released and condemning the brutality of the fighting in Gaza, in which families have been destroyed. In August, while a father was registering the births of his newborn twins, an Israeli missile struck and killed the babies and their mother, news outlets reported.

According to the BBC, of the Israeli hostages being held by Hamas, two were rescued in February. However, six were shot to death by Hamas in a tunnel in August, including an American, Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla issued this statement on Monday:

“Today, we remember the lives tragically lost in the horrific Hamas terrorist attack in Israel. My thoughts are with all of the families and loved ones who had their lives upended in the worst assault on Jewish people since the Holocaust. It is critical that we continue to unequivocally condemn any andall acts of violence and antisemitism both here at home, and abroad."

He added, "On this solemn day, we stand with our Jewish brother and sisters across the world, pray for the return of all remaining hostages, and hope for a lasting peace where all people can live in safety and dignity.”

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