First Anniversary

Here is a collection of 11 resources that all advocates for Israel and the Jewish people need to know as we mark the anniversary of October 7.

On October 7, 2024, American Jewish Committee (AJC) hosted a National October 7 Memorial Commemoration for diplomats to honor the memories of all the victims of the October 7 Hamas attack and reaffirm our commitment to bring home each of the remaining 101 hostages still in captivity. You can watch the full program here.

Despite the daily challenges, the Cincinnati Jewish community has been resolute. Community members have volunteered on Israeli farms. Cincinnati Hillel has supported more Jewish students than ever before. We are also heartened by the support we’ve received from allies and those who recognize the existential plague of hatred and antisemitism. We maintain hope in fighting anti-Jewish bias and in building bridges across political and ideological lines - and using the spirit of Cincinnati as a constructive mechanism for peace and understanding.

As we approach Oct. 7, 2024, the first anniversary of the day Hamas terrorists waged the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust — slaughtering babies, raping women, burning whole families alive, killing more than 1,200 people, and taking 250 people hostage, we will remember. But it is not yet a memory.

When news broke over Labor Day weekend that six of the hostages held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists had been executed by their captors, it was a gut punch, one acutely felt by the Atlanta Jewish community. Among the murdered was American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin. His family would meet at Camp Ramah Darom, about 100 miles north of Atlanta, each Passover to celebrate the holiday. Many in the Atlanta Jewish community are connected to the family, either from this camp or others.

Getting all the hostages out of Gaza must remain a top priority. There can be no lasting ceasefire until all are released. The Biden administration made their plight the centerpiece of a three-phase proposal released in May that could not only end the war, but deliver relief to beleaguered Gazans victimized by a terrorist regime using them as human shields.

Freeing the hostages is a black and white issue. It’s a matter of right and wrong. Period. Between October 6-11, we’re asking individuals and organizations to: Update their profile photo to mark the one-year anniversary of October 7, using your own black and white image or using the one we have created that is available here. Post black and white content as a powerful reminder of the 101 hostages still held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Every single person—and every organization—has the power to ensure that the world will not forget about the hostages. We must #BringThemHomeNow.