Today, as we mark the one year anniversary of October 7th, we sit in grief. We sit in mourning for the victims of the massacre on October 7th. We sit in longing for the safe return of the hostages, all 101 of them that remain in captivity. We sit, anguished at the immeasurable losses of the last year. Habonim Dror North America holds our community in our heart, and we wear our memories on our sleeve.
We remember Hersh Goldberg-Polin, we remember Vivian Silver, we remember Ofir Liebstein. We pray for the safety of Yair and Eitan Horn and hold Ofri Brodutch closely. We know that our community is wide-reaching and the damage from these losses continues to be devastating. On this day, we must bear the weight of our community’s pain together, and reach out to each other to share the burden.
Today is a day to sit, to hold a space, to remember the beautiful lives taken from us and to not forget the 101 hostages who are still held in Gaza one year later. However, when we do stand, we will stand for the future. For an immediate return of all the hostages and a ceasefire agreement. For an end to this war. For the safety of all the civilians, throughout Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. A future that has evaded us this past year. As we sit in grief today, we are deeply aware that the turmoil has only grown, and will continue to grow until we say dayenu.
Habonim Dror North America continues to stand up for the rights of Israelis, Palestinians, and all peoples to live in peace, security, and dignity. Let this day be a day to sit in grief for all that has been and to hold that pain in our memories. Tomorrow, we will not forget: tomorrow, we will fight for a better future.