By Camilla Torres, Staff Writer
October 3rd marks the three year anniversary of the attacks at the Nova Music Festival, and the starting date of the war in Gaza.
Israelis around the world are mourning the victims of the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which led to the death of 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages. The attack caused the deadliest attack in the history of Israel, which would spark a devastating war in Gaza in which Palestinians still suffer to this day.
Many Israelis mourn at the location of the Nova Music Festival, where the attack occurred, and in Tel Aviv, where they paid tribute to those who were killed and taken. Another vigil occurred at Knesset, Israel’s parliament where many held up photos of their loved ones and placards demanding an investigation into the attacks and accountability from the Netanyahu administration for not doing an independent inquiry.
One notable memorial service occurred in New York City, which mayor Zohran Mamdani attended sparking harsh criticism from many sides. Though he is pro-Palestinian, as stated on his X post, he feels that “we grieve alongside our many friends and neighbors who still carry that unthinkable loss. The suffering did not begin nor end that day.”
Mamdani also criticized the Palestinian Sunni movement known as Hamas, who carried out the attack and claimed responsibility. They are a Islamist militant group who reject the existence of Israel and claim that the country resides on the territory of Palestine.
The attack on Israel kicked off the Israel-Hamas war that has so far killed more than 77,632 people with the intent of wiping out the attacking group, and seemingly anyone of the same ethnicity. It has caused dividing opinions on whether or not the war is justified by the attack. While some argue the war was needed, others condemn Israel’s method of attack towards Palestine, including airstrikes in cities and deliberate attacks to healthcare and infrastructure.
Though there are differing opinions, many world leaders made statements supporting the victims of the attack, including German chancellor Friederich Merz, who affirmed that “Germany stands firm by Israel’s side.” As well as, French president Emmanuel Macron stated that the country is dedicated to “combating antisemitism and terrorism, everywhere and always, working for peace and the security of all.”
Even though it has been three years, the victims and their families still mourn the attacks of Hamas from October 7th, and the aftermath destruction from the conflict with Gaza. Though Israel needs to be held responsible for their actions toward the country of Palestine in this conflict, the victims of the attack should be supported and honored during this
tough anniversary.