Utahns remember the attacks on Israel by Hamas one year ago

Salt Lake City, Utah – The horrific terrorist strikes on Israel by Hamas came to an end one year ago on Monday.

To mark the attack’s first anniversary, around 500 people gathered on the south steps of the Utah State Capitol.

On Monday, a number of speakers stood at the podium to offer their opinions and even personal tales.

Maya Skurnik, an Israeli native, said, “My sister was rescued by civilians who took survivors of the massacre into their homes.”

Skurnik claims that although he moved to Utah two years ago, his entire family remains in Israel.

She elaborated on the effects that October 7, 2023, had on her family.

“My sister was at the Nova music festival, for people who don’t know what this is, which apparently exists, it is a music festival that was the first site to be attacked by the Hamas terrorists,” stated Skurnik.

Yuval, her sister, is said to have survived.

The United Jewish Federation of Utah is represented by Ron Zamir. On Monday night, he was sporting a tee endorsing Itay Chen. Itay, who perished in the attack a year ago, is the son of two of Zamir’s pals.

“They waited over five months to find out that he had actually been killed that day, Itay, an American citizen, his body was kidnapped and is still being held in Gaza,” stated Zamir.

Religious leaders from the Jewish community spoke to the audience on Monday at the ceremony.

“A year later, we stand before you today, together, as one united Jewish community in Utah, stronger and more unified than before,” Congregation Kol Ami Rabbi Sam Spector stated.

Moreover, religious authorities from the non-Jewish community.

“You do not grieve alone on this day, when being Jewish made one a target, in a way we have not seen in a very long time,” First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City pastor Curtis Price said.

Holding Israeli and American flags, a few attendees from both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities were there. Others, holding up images of the abducted people.

According to the United Jewish Federation, the attack last year claimed the lives of almost 1,200 innocent people.

It is reported that about 250 people were held hostage and over 100 of them are still detained. That comprises a few citizens of the United States.

Rep. Celeste Maloy, a Republican from Utah, stated, “Israel is one of our most important allies in the Middle East, they’re one of our most important allies in the world.”

On Monday, Rep. Blake Moore of the 1st Congressional District joined Rep. Maloy of Utah’s 2nd Congressional District at the platform. Together, they represented the whole Congressional Delegation of Utah by delivering a united declaration of support.

“They’re helping make the world a safer place while they’re in a really dangerous place surrounded by enemies and so by standing by them, we’re supporting them in helping keep us safe,” said Representative Maloy.

One year after the attack on Israel, Zamir declared, “This war ends with the hostages’ unconditional release.”

Regarding individuals such as Skurnik, she expressed her wish for safety and harmony for all in the Middle East.