Chabad plans memorial for anniversary of attacks

PUNTA GORDA — Chabad of Charlotte County has planned a memorial service to commemorate the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in Israel.

It’s set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 at the Chabad of Charlotte County, 424 W. Henry St., Punta Gorda.

Rabbi Simon JacobsonJacobson is the director of the Chabad of Charlotte County and organizer of the event.

He said the event is designed to bring the community together in unity as well as a campaign to increase kindness. He invited the community to attend the ceremony and participate in acts of Torah, prayer and charity.

More than 1,200 were killed Oct. 7, 2023, on Shemini Atzeret, a Jewish holiday that directly follows the festival of Sukkot.

“As we navigate the one year anniversary of this dark day, we remember those who were senselessly murdered, and the stories of resilience and heroism that demonstrate the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people,” Jacobson said.

He said remembering those murdered is “not just about shared grief.”

“It’s about remembering the eternality of each soul and that the way we choose to fight darkness is through increasing in light,” Jacobson said. “We must remember that by illuminating our own corner of the world with acts of goodness and kindness, we can impact events on the other side of the world.”

For more information, contact Jacobson at 941-258-0177, email Chabadpg@gmail.com or visit www.chabadofcharlottecounty.com.