Somber remembrances of Oct. 7 attacks on Israel happen throughout Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It has now been one year since Hamas' attack on Israel. 

On October 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants blew holes in Israel’s security fence and stormed into nearby army bases and farming communities in a surprise attack one year ago, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. They are still holding about 100 captives inside Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead, according to the Associated Press. 

The fighting on the anniversary underscored the militants’ resilience in the face of a devastating Israeli offensive that has killed about 42,000 Palestinians, according to local medical officials. It has also destroyed large areas of Gaza and displaced around 90% of its population.

This October 7, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation is holding an event at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center to honor those killed in conflict. 

“I think what’s going to happen tonight is going to be an opportunity for our community to do what community needs to do. To be together," said Mark Shapiro, the President CEO of the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center. “Sometimes the greatest celebration of our mission is when we come together, or it’s sad, or it’s hard, because often that’s when we need each other the most.

On UW-Milwaukee's campus, Palestinian students gathered at a booth dedicated to educating people about the conflict. Students like Waleed Nassar say they are also mourning on this day.

“When I woke up and got out of bed, I had to bring myself to come to university," Nassar said. “We’re feeling for the people who are dead, we’re feeling for the people who are still there.”

Though there are disagreements about the way to create peace in the Middle East, those with close connections to the conflict say they plan to remember the people who died and want to prevent further devastating losses. 

In a statement, President Biden called the one-year anniversary of the conflict a day of mourning. He reaffirmed the U.S. support of Israel while expressing sorrow for innocent Palestinians killed in the conflict. He also continued to push for a ceasefire.