Greenwich Marks 1-Year Anniversary Of Hamas Attacks On Israel
GREENWICH, CT — Over 150 people gathered outside of Greenwich Town Hall Monday afternoon to mark the one-year anniversary of the Hamas terror attacks on Israel.
First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a proclamation and declared Oct. 7, 2024, as a day of remembrance and hope in town, and he urged residents “to remember that there is no place for hatred, terrorism or antisemitism in Greenwich, Israel, the United States or anywhere else in the world.”
The Israeli flag was also raised, and memorial candles were lit in honor of the dead and those who are being held captive by Hamas. Greenwich resident Rebecca Cooper sang the national anthems for the United States and Israel.
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On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas led the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust. Armed terrorists killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and took more than 250 people hostage back to Gaza.
In the 12 months since, the Israeli military has carried out strikes on Gaza leaving thousands dead, and other conflicts have cropped up around the region. This week, there were reports of thousands joining pro-Palestinian rallies across the globe.
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U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who is a Greenwich resident, issued a message to the town through his wife, Cynthia, who spoke during Monday’s ceremony.Blumenthal is currently in Israel, leading a bipartisan senate delegation.
“As tensions heighten, I hope that diplomacy may achieve a cessation of fighting, leading to a return of the hostages and a path toward normalizing relations in the region, along with humanitarian aid and rebuilding. Peace, and most importantly Israel’s security, is the goal,” Blumenthal wrote in his message, calling the Oct. 7 attacks “sickening and frightening.”
Blumenthal also said the U.S. must continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself.
With family still living in Israel, Blumenthal said the cause is “deeply personal” and “above politics.”
“The people of Israel, our friends, our family, our allies, have fought through years of tears and unspeakable loss. We must match their bravery and faith, and to never forget,” Blumenthal said.
Camillo said he wanted people to “hope and pray for peace and security.”
“Without security, there’s never going to be any peace, especially for those in Israel and for Jews around the world, including here in the United States,” Camillo said.
“The town of Greenwich stands in solidarity with the Jewish people and the people of Israel who have suffered great anguish due to the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks,” Camillo added in his proclamation. “The town of Greenwich reaffirms a commitment to its sovereignty and security, and to the unbreakable bond between our two countries based on shared democratic values.”
Many in attendance wore blue and white shirts in support of Israel.
Greenwich resident Rena Berger came to Monday’s ceremony draped in the Israeli flag. She said she would be attending ceremonies and events in the area throughout the day to remember what happened a year ago. She told Patch she has family living in Israel.
“I’m very, very proud of Greenwich. I’m proud of everyone who is here today, and that they’re commemorating this. It means a lot to me,” Berger said. “We must never forget.”
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