Prayer and unity: Rutgers Chabad commemorates one year since brutal Oct. 7 attack

Rutgers Chabad hosted a memorial service Monday night marking a year since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack and the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The service featured reflective remarks from Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, as well as a candle-lighting ceremony and moments of prayer to foster healing.

Hamas’ surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023 left 1,200 Israelis dead, including many civilians. Another 250 people were taken hostage.

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Israel responded with an offensive that has demolished nearly all the Gaza Strip. More than 41,000 have been killed including at least 15,000 children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. With thousands missing under the rubble or dead from disease or starvation, experts say the actual death toll is likely far higher. At least 346 Israelis have been killed during these military operations.

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Chabad House at Rutgers has long been a center of Jewish life and learning on the New Brunswick campus, and the memorial service was part of its ongoing efforts to provide spiritual guidance, comfort and communal connection in times of sorrow and uncertainty for Jews.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Prayer and unity: Rutgers Chabad commemorates one year since brutal Oct. 7 attack