Indianapolis Jewish community to gather to mark one year since Oct. 7

Governor Holcomb to serve as keynote speaker

Submitted

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas unleashed a vicious attack on Israel, killing nearly 1,200 innocent civilians, taking over 250 people hostage, and shattering the global Jewish community’s sense of safety. In just a few short weeks will the one-year anniversary of that dark day, with 101 people still being held hostage by terrorists.

This terrorist attack was a turning point in modern Jewish history – both because of the tragic depth of that day’s events and the monumental events that have followed.

On Monday, Oct. 7, the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council alongside many community partners will gather for a time of remembrance in a community-wide commemoration to pay tribute to the fallen, honor heroism in the face of darkness, unite the community, and reaffirm our community’s strength and commitment to Israel.

Speakers during the commemoration will include Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Jewish community leaders, Jewish and other faith religious clergy, Israeli community members, and former Israeli Defense Forces soldiers.

“Coming together as a community is one of the most meaningful ways we can express our heartfelt and unwavering solidarity with Israel and its people,” said Marc Swatez, Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis. “We invite the broad community to join us in this profound moment of pain and loss as we grieve together, embrace the survivors and the families of the fallen, pray for the remaining hostages and express our gratitude to our communal partners and allies for their love and solidarity.”

In addition to the commemoration, there will be an interpretation of the Nova Music Festival site, featuring the Israeli flower and posters of hostages still held in Gaza, as well as an art exhibit from Israeli artists and their reflections of the Oct. 7 attack.

The commemoration will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. This is just one of more than 100 commemorations happening across the country.