Israel and communities around the world marked the third anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks on Wednesday with solemn ceremonies honoring those who were killed.
Flags flew at half-staff in cities across Israel as advocacy organizations organized memorial events. Near Tel Aviv, anti-government demonstrators briefly shut down the Ayalon Highway and observed a moment of silence, the Times of Israel reported.
The tribute began at 6:29 a.m., the precise time the assault started, according to the Times of Israel.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people and seized 251 hostages, taking them to Gaza. The attack was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust and ignited the devastating Israel-Hamas war, according to the outlet.
At Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where approximately 520 terrorists killed and abducted dozens of residents, mourners gathered for a vigil. One community member read aloud the names of those who died in an emotional roll call.
“It’s a very emotional day, it’s a very difficult day for our community, three years after October 7,” Zion Regev, a community leader, said during the ceremony.
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In a nearby tribute, families remembered the bravery of the 16 female surveillance soldiers killed at the Nahal Oz military outpost.
“At 6:29 a.m. three years ago, when the gates of hell were opened, none of us could have imagined that the worst thing possible would occur,” said Dror Ashram, whose daughter, Sgt. Shay Ashram, was among those killed.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and other mourners also visited the site of the Nova music festival, where hundreds of attendees were killed or abducted by Hamas.
“We stand here three years later, and there is no forgiveness, and there never will be, for the loss of our girls. For the hell they went through in their final moments, for the failures, for the abandonment of them and of us. We will not forget and we will not forgive,” Bennett said.
In Washington, D.C., the Israeli Embassy held an official memorial service at Washington Hebrew Congregation. Community centers and synagogues throughout New York City also hosted heartfelt vigils.
Jewish community members and supporters gathered for a solemn remembrance outside Downing Street, while demonstrations were held elsewhere in London, the BBC reported.
In France, members of the European Parliament paid tribute to victims and survivors of the Oct. 7 attacks.
