Caribbean leaders mark first anniversary of attack on Israel on October 7 – Caribbean Life

In commemorating the “devastating anniversary,” Clarke said, “it should remind each of us that Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in dignity, safety and security.” Remembering all the innocent people we lost “And with full consideration for everyone we hope to save, it is time to agree to a permanent ceasefire and finally move towards peace.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, whose father is from Trinidad and Tobago, recalled that on October 7 last year “we experienced an unimaginable tragedy in which violence broke out and thousands of Israeli civilians and families were lost.”

“Today is a day of remembrance and reflection to honor the lives of those we lost and we vow never to forget,” she said. “In moments like these, we must come together as a city and remember that strength lies in our unity and we must embrace our shared humanity.

“We must stand with our Jewish community in this time of emotion, sadness, grief and compassion for all those affected,” she said. “We have seen far too much hate and violence and rising anti-Semitism, and we must reject hate in all forms and instead promote communities based on love and respect.

“What we saw in the days and weeks after October 7th were communities united with our Jewish neighbors, standing side by side,” she added, explaining that she saw her district “in the spirit of unity came together, overcame divisions and instead “built bridges.”

As Bronx Borough President, Gibson said her goal is “to help build a borough where all people can live, worship and express themselves without fear.”

“We will continue to work towards a shared community for our children who will shine as beacons of hope for a peaceful society,” she said. “Let us honor the memory of the loved ones and friends we have lost. Let’s continue to build bridges. Let us continue to reject hate in all forms.

“Let us continue to support our Jewish communities and focus on what unites us,” Gibson added. “Let us continue to demand the return of all hostages. Let us continue to fight for peace here at home and in Israel.”

Brooklyn Democratic Party Chairwoman Rep. Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, said: “On this somber anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel, my heart is heavy as we join our communities in celebrating the deadliest attack of the year “The country mourns.” History.

“Hamas’ cruel attack on innocent civilians during one of the holiest Jewish holidays was an act of cowardice,” the 42nd representative said^nd Brooklyn Assembly District. “I agree with our nation in unequivocally condemning this inhumane terrorist attack that killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians.”

She noted that New York, home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, “deeply feels the weight of this tragedy.”

“We must continue to combat rising anti-Semitic hate crimes and comfort our neighbors amid unspeakable uncertainty about the safety of the nearly 100 hostages still held by Hamas,” Bichotte Hermelyn said. “Every day we pray for the safe return of these innocent civilians and must continue to call for their unconditional release.

“We fully support the Jewish people in their homeland and their right to self-defense,” she added. “This attack has caused fear and destruction in a Middle East now reeling from a widening conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people.

“As we reflect on this tragic day, we pray together for peace,” Bichotte Hermelyn continued.

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said, “The terrible events of that day and those that followed brought immense pain and grief that continues to resonate in our communities here in New York City.”

“The cycles of violence inflicted on families threaten to leave trauma that will be felt for generations,” she said. “My heart is heavy and I grieve with those who have lost loved ones and whose lives have been changed forever.

“As we mark this somber occasion, we will continue to honor the victims of the October 7 attacks and call for the return of the remaining hostages taken from their families,” spokesman Adams added. “In this moment, we must continue to recognize our common humanity, insist that peace is possible, and work to achieve the collective security that all people can deserve.”

On Monday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams ordered the city’s flags to be lowered to half-staff and City Hall and other city buildings to be lit yellow Monday evening “to commemorate one year since the horrific terrorist attacks of the United States.” Hamas in Israel on October 17, 2019.” 7, as well as advocating for the safe return of the hostages still held captive by Hamas.

“One year ago today, people of all faiths and beliefs gathered at the Nova Music Festival in Israel to sing songs of peace and coexistence. “With the brutal murder of more than 1,200 innocent men, women and children by cowardly terrorists, a part of us all died that day,” the mayor said. “Hundreds more were subsequently taken hostage and many remain captive today.

“And when we see the devastation inflicted on innocent people in the Middle East after this unprovoked attack, the idea of ​​peace becomes even more distant,” he added. “But that is precisely why we must continue to work for peace – for the safe return of all hostages, for the defeat of Hamas and for an end to this deadly conflict.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also ordered flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday “in mourning and honoring the victims of the attack on Israel a year ago.”

Additionally, the governor ordered landmarks to be lit yellow in solidarity with Israel and the hostages still in captivity.

“One year after the terrible atrocities against the people of Israel, I sympathize with the victims and their families,” Hochul said. “New York stands with Israel – today and every day.

“As home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, we will do everything in our power to defend ourselves against the forces of hate and stand firmly against those who perpetuate it,” she added.

In a statement from the White House, Democratic presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris, the daughter of retired Jamaican economist Dr. Donald Harris said she would “never forget the horror of October 7, 2023” and pointed out that 1,200 innocent people, including 46 Americans, were “massacred by Hamas terrorists, women raped on the side of the road, 250 people kidnapped.”

“It was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust,” she said. “What Hamas did that day was pure evil; it was brutal and disgusting. And it has reignited a deep fear among the Jewish people not just in Israel but in the United States and around the world.

“The long, extraordinary arc of Jewish history is filled with pogroms and prejudice, massacres and division,” Harris noted. “And now, in our own generation, there is another moment that the world must never forget.

“I am devastated by the loss and suffering of the Israeli people as a result of the heinous attack on October 7,” she added. “Doug and I pray for the families of the victims and hope that they find comfort in the memory of the lives of their loved ones.

“We also pray for the safety of the Jewish people around the world,” the US vice president continued. “We must all ensure that the horrors of October 7th never happen again.” I will do everything in my power to ensure that the threat posed by Hamas is eliminated, that it never returns able to govern Gaza, that it is failing in its mission to destroy Israel, and that the people of Gaza are free from Hamas control.”

Harris also said she will never stop fighting for the release of all hostages, including the seven American citizens (living and deceased) still detained: Omer, Edan, Sagui, Keith, Judy, Gad and Itay.

“I will never stop fighting for justice for those who murdered Hersh Goldberg-Polin and other Americans,” she promised. “And I will always ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists like Hamas. My commitment to Israel’s security is unwavering.