Thousands of people gathered over the weekend to mark the emotional anniversary of the Palestinian militant group Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. These commemorations spanned cities across the world—from Tel Aviv to London, Paris, and Berlin—with more events scheduled for Monday. The mood was reflective, filled with candlelight vigils, heartfelt memorials, and marches, all aimed at honoring the lives lost and calling for unity and remembrance.
Global Commemorations: A Look at the Vigils
Tel Aviv saw an incredibly moving vigil on Sunday evening, held at a concert hall where friends and relatives of the 370 victims of the Nova dance festival massacre came together. Neon lights flickered in the background as soft music played, setting a somber yet hopeful scene. Loved ones embraced each other, their faces illuminated by the flickering glow of candles lit in memory of those taken too soon.
In London, Hyde Park hosted thousands of people waving Israeli flags and holding up “bring them home” placards, bearing the faces of hostages still held by militants in Gaza. Photos of the victims were projected onto a large screen, and the crowd lit candles in their honor. Henry Grunwald, chair of the organizing committee, emphasized their purpose: “We want to remember the people who have been brutally murdered and we want the world to remember.” A sentiment shared by all present, grief, and hope mixing in equal measure.
In Berlin, about 650 people gathered on Saturday, but the solemnity was disrupted by a few individuals who shouted insults at participants—leading to 26 arrests. Meanwhile, Paris saw thousands gather in remembrance of the attack, with Robert Zbili, president of the National Jewish Fund, reiterating their purpose: “We’re here in support of Israel, the Israeli people, in memory of those who were killed, and for those who were kidnapped.”
Over in Geneva, around 300 people gathered in front of the United Nations offices to pay tribute to the victims. However, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Daniel Meron, did not hold back in his criticism, calling out the organization for its failure to “pass a resolution holding Hamas and its supporters responsible.”
The Bigger Picture: My Point of View
Now, let’s get real for a moment. Commemorating these kinds of events is a tough pill to swallow. It’s like trying to honor someone’s memory while you’re still in the middle of the storm that took them from you. And that’s precisely what we’re seeing here. On one side, there’s the palpable grief of the families and communities who’ve lost their loved ones. On the other, the tension and uncertainty of a conflict that’s far from over. It’s a challenging mix of remembrance, anger, and an enduring hope that somehow, someday, things will get better.
Take the vigil in Tel Aviv, for instance. People gathered not just to remember but to demand something more—to call for accountability, for peace, for something that would make the senseless loss a bit more bearable. And isn’t that just human nature? To find some semblance of meaning, some closure, even when it seems impossible.
But as we all know, there’s always more than one perspective. And here’s where things get a little sticky. We’ve got pro-Palestinian protests taking place, too, calling for an end to the military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon. These protests are also a cry for the loss of innocent lives—just on the other side of the border. The human cost of the conflict doesn’t discriminate, and that’s something that can’t be ignored.
A Critique of the UN and the International Community
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the United Nations. Daniel Meron made a solid point—what exactly is the UN doing to hold Hamas accountable? It’s a question that not only Israel but also the wider international community needs to ask. In moments like these, when thousands are grieving and the scars are still fresh, words from the international community aren’t enough. Resolutions, action, and clear stances need to follow, not just for Israel but for every community affected by violence.
It’s not enough to merely observe; the world needs more. Sure, there are political complications—there always are—but that shouldn’t mean letting down the people who are caught in the crossfire of such conflicts. Where’s the outrage for hostages taken? Where’s the action that actually leads to lasting change?
David Rosen stood amidst the crowd in Hyde Park, the Israeli flag in his hands feeling heavier than he expected. As he looked around at the faces lit by candlelight, he thought of the countless families like his own, torn apart by loss and uncertainty. He could still hear his mother’s voice from their last phone call—calm, trying to reassure him, even as rockets fell near their home in Israel. Today, standing here, David realized that the gathering wasn’t just for remembering those lost but for reminding each other that they were not alone, no matter the distance. It was about hope, about wanting an end to this constant cycle of grief, and about wishing, more than anything, for peace. – Name: David Rosen, Age: 34, Location: London, UK
Emotional Daybreak and Expected Memorials
More memorials are planned for Monday, with emotions expected to run high, especially within Israel. President Isaac Herzog will lead an official ceremony in Jerusalem, but that’s not all. There will also be a memorial at daybreak in Sderot, which was among the first Israeli cities to be attacked. Remembering the day it all started—50 people killed, either by gunmen or rockets—serves as a poignant reminder of just how fast life can change.
Kibbutz Be’eri will also host a rally, with an emotionally charged call for the return of the remaining hostages. In Tel Aviv, there will be a push for a ceasefire—a powerful reminder of the deep desire for peace, even amidst such pain.
Over in the United States, where the events of October 7 have somehow become another point of contention in the divisive political landscape, there’s set to be a “Remembrance Event” organized by Jewish community leaders in Miami. Former president Donald Trump will be present—a move that will likely add fuel to an already complicated fire. Because let’s face it, nothing in American politics is ever straightforward, especially not during an election period.
And let’s not forget the vigil outside the White House—a simple but powerful statement that, even across an ocean, the tragedy still resonates deeply. Many people are still grappling with the fallout from that day, and these gatherings are a way of ensuring that those lives aren’t forgotten.
The Costs of War and the Human Toll
The build-up to this anniversary has been filled with tension, as fears of the conflict spiraling into a wider war continue to grow. According to official Israeli figures, the attack on October 7 left 1,205 people dead, most of them civilians. To add to the tragedy, it also includes hostages who were killed in captivity.
Israel’s response—a military offensive in Gaza—has led to over 41,870 deaths, the majority of whom are civilians, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry. These numbers are both tragic and overwhelming, a sobering reminder of the devastating human cost of this ongoing conflict. It’s a grim tally that leaves you questioning when, or if, there will ever be an end to the cycle of retaliation and retribution.
And here’s the crux of the matter: it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. But behind every figure, every statistic, is a life—a story, a family left grieving, a future cut short. It’s a cliché to say that war is hell, but clichés exist for a reason—they hold a truth that’s impossible to deny.
What Lies Ahead
So, what happens next? More memorials will undoubtedly be held, and more speeches will be made. People will grieve. They will light candles, raise placards, and chant for peace. But if there’s one thing history has taught us, it’s that real change doesn’t come from ceremonies alone—it comes from genuine efforts to understand each other, from dialogues that extend beyond political talking points.
The world watched as thousands came together to remember the events of October 7. The pain, the anguish, and the hope were palpable, serving as a stark reminder that, despite the bitterness of loss, there is a will among many to seek peace. Whether or not that peace will be realized is a question we cannot answer just yet. But until then, we keep remembering, we keep hoping, and, most importantly, we keep pushing for change.
