On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the L.A. City Council will commemorate the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages, marking the deadliest day in Israel’s history.
Rabbi Heather Miller has been invited to lead an invocation during the Board of Supervisors meeting, while L.A. City Councilman Bob Blumenfield plans to adjourn the council’s meeting in honor of the victims.
In a public statement, Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences regarding the lasting impact of those attacks. “The aftermath of those attacks continues to devastate lives and communities, and directly affects many people here in Los Angeles,” Bass stated. “I join the call for the immediate release of all hostages, an end to the violence and a lasting peace. Los Angeles condemns antisemitism and all forms of hate, and remains committed to the safety and dignity of all communities.”
Meanwhile, the UCLA chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine is organizing a floral procession at noon on Tuesday at De Neve Plaza. This event is intended to remember Palestinians who have lost their lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Participants have been invited to bring Palestinian flags and red flowers to honor the victims.
These local commemorations coincide with ongoing negotiations between Israeli and Hamas leaders in Egypt. The discussions aim to bring an end to the conflict and facilitate the release of remaining hostages captured during the October 7 attacks at a music festival in Southern Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope that an announcement regarding the release of hostages could be made in the coming days, although the negotiations remain complex and sensitive. As part of the ongoing talks, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza is also being considered.
The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles is set to hold a commemorative ceremony on October 16, coinciding with an official memorial service in Jerusalem at Mount Herzl. Expecting over 2,000 attendees, the event titled “United in Memory: LA Remembers October 7th” will be held at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills.
Rabbi Noah Farkas, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, remarked, “October 7th marks a tragic day in our history that will forever shape our collective memory.” He emphasized the importance of honoring the victims and the ongoing support for those affected.
“As we hold in our hearts and honor the 1,200 innocent lives lost and pray for the safe return of those still held hostage in unimaginable conditions, we continue to find strength in our Los Angeles community,” Farkas added.
The upcoming event will also feature remarks from Israel Bachar, consul general of Israel, along with a candlelight ceremony involving victims’ family members and various dignitaries.
Local organizations, including the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, Jewish Federation Los Angeles, Israeli-American Council, StandWithUs, Friends of the IDF, Temple of Arts, and the Iranian American Jewish Federation, are collaborating to organize this remembrance.
Additionally, Beverly Hills officials dedicated a private memorial for the events of October 7 last Sunday. Available later this week, a video from that ceremony will be shared with the public. The memorial will be situated on the south side of the Beverly Hills Public Library, aligning with the design of the 9/11 Memorial.
According to reports, since the original attacks and Israel’s military response in Gaza, approximately 67,000 Palestinians have been reported killed, with around 170,000 injured, according to the Gaza health ministry.
A recent inquiry by the United Nations Human Rights Council has claimed that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a charge that Israel has firmly rejected, insisting that it is engaged in a war of self-defense.
Following the release of the UN report, Israel’s foreign ministry called for the immediate dissolution of the Commission of Inquiry, arguing that the allegations are unfounded.
As the communities of Los Angeles navigate this somber anniversary, the events planned serve as a reminder of the ongoing violence and the deep impact experienced by individuals and families on both sides of the conflict. The need for dialogue, understanding, and healing remains paramount as the region continues to grapple with the consequences of the attacks.
image source from：mynewsla
