Philadelphia observes Oct. 7 anniversary with vigils, roundtables

Monday, Oct. 7, marks the first anniversary of the invasion of Israel launched by Hamas militants. A day that resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives and the kidnapping of 250 more led to retaliation by Israel in a year-long military campaign across the coast.

In honor of those who have lost their lives in this violence, Philadelphia is hosting several vigils and rallies to grieve and remember the fallen.

365 Days of Hope

Sunday, Oct. 6 will begin the commemoration as Synagogues and Jewish groups are set to host “365 Days of Hope,” a one-year commemoration event that will include several notable speakers, including family members of Israeli hostages. The event is located at the Independence National Historical Park and will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Nova Music Festival Exhibition

Beginning Oct. 7, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History will host a weeklong exhibition displaying artifacts from the Nova Music Festival, a weekend music festival that took place in South Israel beginning on Oct. 6, 2023, and became one the main sites affected during the Oct. 7 attack. The exhibit will include bullet-riddled bathroom stalls, burned cars, and personal belongings from the victims. Gov. Josh Shapiro helped arrange the exhibit, which will be open from 1 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday.

One Year of Genocide

The Temple Muslim Law Students Association, in partnership with the Temple Law Students for Justice in Palestine, will host a space open to all Temple Law students and faculty to “collectively grieve, honor, and remember the hundreds of thousands of Palestinian men, women, and children that have been killed” in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack. The event will be held at noon in Room K1A.

Hillel at Temple University

Temple Hillel will host a series of commemorative and wellness events, beginning with a roundtable discussion located at Temple University. The roundtable is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. and is set to close at 7:30 with an option to “head to a local community ceremony” afterward.

Every Life, A Universe

IfNotNow will host a “memorial gathering for Israeli and Palestinian life,” or tashlich, to mourn in community with Kol Tzedek, Mishkan Shalom, and others from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Water Works in Philadelphia. Flags are not permitted at this event. This event is part of a 3-day series in collaboration with Prayers for Peace Alliance, Nonviolence International, and other community partners.

Virtual Prayer Vigil

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the Board of Rabbis will host an open Zoom featuring an at-home service of “prayer, mourning, and messages of hope.” The vigil is set for 7 p.m., and while it is an open event, registration is requested.