Jewish community gathers to mourn 1st anniversary of 10/7 attacks

from The Jewish Federation of Lane County

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists waged the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. They slaughtered children, sexually assaulted women and men, burned entire families, and took 251 innocent civilians hostage. On that dark day, more than 1,400 people were murdered.

While the main target of these brutal attacks were Israeli Jews, the victims were from all over the world – Thailand, France, the United States – and practiced Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.

Fifty-one weeks later, terrorists in Gaza are still holding over 100 men, women, and children in captivity. At least 36 of them are thought to be dead.

This Oct. 7, Lane County’s Jewish community will mark the somber anniversary in private.

“Like the assassination of President Kennedy and 9/11, where I was on Oct. 7 is seared into my memory forever. The grief Jews experienced on that awful day remains raw and close,” said Dr. Martha MacRitchie, board president of the Jewish Federation of Lane County. “I can’t think of a more appropriate way to mark the day than to be together.”

“Jewish tradition teaches us that every human being is an entire world. Of potential, and of history. We must create space to grieve the worlds destroyed on Oct. 7, and in the devastating war that has continued since,” said Rabbi Ruhi Sophia Motzkin Rubenstein of Eugene’s Temple Beth Israel. “We all, no matter your background, must learn to respect and love each other, or this cycle will never end.”

The Jewish Federation of Lane County (JFLC) is one of 146 independent Federations and a network of 300 smaller communities across North America. JFLC’s mission is to support caring, safe, inclusive and enduring Jewish communities here in Lane County. Priorities include caring for Jews in need, ensuring the Jewish future, and engaging and organizing community.

Local work includes a social services program, a Community Relations Council, Mitzvah Day, and scholarships for local youth seeking to further their Jewish education. More information is available at www.jewishfedlc.org.