Thousands remember Israel’s Oct. 7 victims, hostages in Sandy Springs

One year after the Hamas terror attack on Israel, 4,000 people gathered inside Sandy Springs’ Byers Theatre and outside on City Green to commemorate those who died and those who remain hostages.

David Fisher, the interim CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta that organized the Together in Remembrance event, opened the commemoration in a reflection on recent hostage and terror incidents in Israel.

Ofri Avigdor Bester from Kibbutz Kfar Aza shared her family’s harrowing time as four terrorists repeatedly tried to break into their safe room.

Bester, who was pregnant during the attack, later delivered a healthy child that made her realize how powerful life is, and how many reasons there are to live and be happy.

She said it was important for her to speak to be the voice of her children, including her nearly three-year-old daughter who experienced the terror attack.

“On Oct. 7, she was only one and a half years old. At such a young age she had to face the devil and experience a horrific event that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone,” she said.

Bester said the remaining hostages must be brought home and those who died during the attack must not be forgotten.

Israeli Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon emphasized Israel’s resilience and determination, with new support groups for victims. She praised the Israel Defense Forces’ role in defending the nation and condemned ongoing attacks from Hezbollah and Iran.

“We will carry the scars from that day and the ensuing war, but we also carry the knowledge that while they may seek to destroy us, we will not be destroyed, and our modern-day enemies will end up where our enemies of the past now reside, confined to the pages of history,” Sultan-Dadon said.

Six members of Congress spoke in support of Israel’s right to defend itself and in getting the hostages home. Rep. Nikema Williams, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations, said they are calling for the release of the remaining hostages, including seven American citizens.

Sen. Jon Ossoff said he admired the resolve of the hostages’ families. but he recognized the constancy of their pain.

Ossoff recounted the heroism of Israelis, including Rose Lubin who attended school in Dunwoody before immigrating to Israel and became a soldier. She helped successfully defend Kibbutz Sa’ad when Hamas attacked.

“But one month later, Rose was killed in the line of duty in a knife attack in Jerusalem,” Ossoff said.

Emmy-Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton, known for her roles on “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The Middle,” told the crowd about The October 7 Coalition (O7C), a non-profit organization she formed to combat antisemitism.

“I never imagined it would be creating a nonprofit to rally Christians to support the Jewish people,” Heaton said.

Part of O7C’s mission is to help Americans, especially Christians, understand the significance of a strong, free, democratic society in the heart of the Middle East.

Israeli journalist Alon Penzel read a short account from his book, “Testimonies Without Boundaries,” which offers firsthand accounts of the events of Oct. 7.

“I will also give a trigger warning and say that this is not easy to hear, but since Oct. 7 was graphic and difficult to hear, then we should remember the atrocities that were committed,” Penzel said.

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