10/07/2026
On this third anniversary of the horrific October 7 attack, I am thinking of all of them: the families murdered in their communities, the victims of r**e, the young people taken hostage from the Nova music festival, those ripped from their homes, and the foreign agricultural workers. The many souls who all suffered that day’s savagery.
I am also thinking of the opportunity for peace dashed by the attack and how sinister terrorists retreated into tunnels beneath Gaza’s neighborhoods. I remember the scenes of Gazans cheering returning fighters on that dark October day. We cannot forget how the attack thrust the region into war, with consequences that continue to affect lives across many countries. I think of the ensuing rise in antisemitism, and how even on this most solemn of days we face coldness and hostility from elected leaders, public figures, and on our own social media pages, (including on the JFCM FB page today). And yet, I still hold out hope that someday our children, and the children of the region will know a life free from the pain of hatred and violence.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this evening of remembrance, community, and hope. “ - Steven Schimmel, JFCM Executive Director
