MACON, Ga. — Dozens of people gathered at the Temple Beth Israel to honor those who were killed and those who are waiting to be brought home in Israel one year later.
The vigil at Temple Beth Israel included music, videos, and a candlelight ceremony that placed a strong emphasis on remembrance and hope for people in Israel. Temple Beth Israel rabbi Elizabeth Bahar says she still gets emotional a year later when talking about the Oct. 7. 2023 attacks.
"The pain, the suffering, the trauma," Bahar said.
Around 1,200 men, women, and children including forty-six Americans were killed. More than 250 hostages were also taken that day and 100 of them are still believed to be in captivity.
"It's 1,200 people that were lost. Each of those people had a name, a family, a history, people that they were connected to," Bahar said.
She still has hope that the hostages will be found safe.
"There's still over 100 hostages being held captive in Gaza, several of which are American," Bahar said.
Samantha Friedman says she is still in disbelief at the scale of the attack and the impact it has had on her friends and the Jewish community.
"These are Jewish people who lost their lives, or who are missing loved ones, or who are wondering where family are," Friedman said.
She says honoring the victims at the vigil is a priority.
"it's impacting everything, and I think just sort of remembering that that love will prevail and happy for everyone," Friedman said.
Rabbi Bahar says she believes peace can be achieved through global compassion and understanding.