Oct. 7 marks one year since hostages were kidnapped by Hamas terrorist regime from Gaza. The JCC hosted a memorial on Sunday to remember the people who have been taken and to pray for their safe return to their families.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, the community center hosted a “Run for their Lives” run to help raise awareness for the victims of the attack on Gaza. This is an event that was run worldwide to show support for the victims and protest for their release.

Also during the run was a butterfly release. The symbolization of freedom and hope brought the community closer to the victims of Gaza and demonstrated their continued support for the release of the hostages.

There was a formal program held at 4:30 p.m. led by a clergyman, where participants prayed for the people in Gaza and the hostages still held by Hamas. They sang and watched video testimonials from the victims in Gaza. The community showed up in solidarity for the victims and to show their support for Israel.

Also at the community center, the photography collection “Resilience in the Rubble” was on display which depicted the tragedies happening in Gaza, but also the strength of the people there. It reinforced that not all hope is lost and that the people of Israel are finding strength in each other, even amongst all the violence.

The memorial service was also to raise money for the Israel Emergency Fund. They have raised over $350,000 so far and are seeking to educate the community about the war in Israel and different ways that we can help support the victims of this crisis.

If you would like to donate, please visit https://www.jcfkc.org/israel-relief/page.html