Global Jewish Communities Commemorate Two Years Since 1,200 Killed, 251 Hostages Taken in Hamas October 7 Attack

Jewish communities worldwide are commemorating the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks in southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages taken to Gaza. These communities face rising antisemitism amid calls for unity and the release of the remaining hostages. In Israel, solemn commemorations have been held at sites such as the Nova music festival, with survivors and families of victims emphasizing the need to end the ongoing Gaza war and secure the hostages' release. Global leaders condemned the attacks, with calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and efforts toward a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the region. The conflict has caused severe casualties, with over 67,000 killed in Gaza, predominantly women and children, underscoring the urgent need for peace negotiations. Despite the ongoing violence, there is a shared hope among Israelis, Palestinians, and the international community for an end to the war and a path toward coexistence.