Jewish Communities Reflect on Hamas Attack Anniversary

As the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack approaches, Jewish communities across the U.S. are grappling with heightened emotions, grief, and anxiety. Many members of the DMV Jewish community, including leaders like Gil Preuss, express disbelief and sadness over the scale of the tragedy, which claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives. In Baltimore, the High Holidays this year mark a painful reflection on the loss of friends and family and an increase in antisemitism experienced over the past year. Rabbi Kliel Rose from Winnipeg notes a shift in community safety perceptions, with congregants feeling uncertain about public displays of faith amid rising antisemitism. At Yeshiva University, students commemorated the attack, emphasizing resilience and community support, as many have personal connections to victims. The collective response highlights the lasting impact of the attack on Jewish identity and community ties.