LI Tributes, Vigils For Anniversary Of Hamas Attack On Israel

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Islanders are thinking about Israel on the first anniversary of the Hamas attack.

A tribute was planned for Eisenhower Park on Monday night. More than 50 community organizations and Nova Music Festival survivors were expected to join Nassau County Bruce Blakeman for Long Island's largest commemoration of the attacks on Israel.

The Brandeis School in Lawrence honored the memory of those lost on Oct. 7 and expressed "solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel."

The ceremony began with a powerful recounting of the tragic events. A prayer was then offered as they sought the safe return of the hostages and "peace and security for all who remain affected by these tragedies," the school said.

Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-North Shore), the president of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators issued the following statement about the solemn anniversary:

“One year after Hamas terrorists carried out a horrific unprovoked attack, the deadliest on Jews since the Holocaust, we stand united with Israel as it fights for its very survival. More than 1,100 people were murdered that day. Many were brutalized in unspeakable ways. Hundreds were taken hostage including Americans like Omer Neutra, an Israeli soldier from my district. While some were freed, the fate of more than 100 men, women and children, including Omer, remains unknown."

An interfaith service was also scheduled for Monday night at Temple Emanu-El in Long Beach.