San Diego Jewish community remembers Oct. 7

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — San Diegans gathered outside the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla, marking one year since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel.

More than 60 Jewish organizations in San Diego came together to make the night happen.

People came with their families and children to grieve and also to heal.

“Today is a day of grief,” said Rabbi Yael Ridberg. “We have been holding on for 366 days. This community is together and supportive of one another so in our deepest grief we know we aren’t alone.”

San Diego Mayor Todd Goria was met with applause as he shared his reaction and reminded the crowd that hatred has no place in San Diego.

“I want you to know tonight the city stands with you and your grief and longing for peace,” Gloria said.

A wall of pictures showed the many faces of those who have been killed while another area showed the faces of the many hostages still in captivity.

“Together we will fight for hostages and their families,” said one speaker Monday night.

“There’s not that many of us in the world and when 1,200 are murdered in one day there’s nothing like that in our lifetime,” said Heidi Gantwerk, President and CEO of The Jewish Federation of San Diego. “We are here to stand together as a Jewish community and to mourn the loss but also to build hope and resilience in this community.”

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