On the evening of the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel, a powerful and solemn commemoration event took place at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater in Eisenhower Park. Hosted by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman in partnership with the Long Island Jewish Coalition, the gathering brought together leaders, community members, and survivors to remember those who lost their lives, and to reinforce a collective resolve to stand with Israel in the face of terror.
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the “innocent people who lost their lives on October 7,” setting the tone for the night’s poignant proceedings. A nearly 40-person blast of the shofar, led by Rabbi Elie Weinstock of the Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach, reverberated through the crowd, signaling the gravity of the occasion. The program, put together by a grant from UJA-Federation and help from the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), was filled with emotional songs by Shulem Lemmer and Cantor Ofer Barnoy.
Congressman Anthony D’Esposito was one of several elected officials who spoke. Addressing the attendees, he remarked, “We are here 365 days after the gruesome, heinous attacks by a terrorist organization in Israel.” His words captured the lingering pain and horror of the attacks, in which, as he starkly reminded the crowd, “they raped, they murdered, they beheaded babies.” D’Esposito’s speech emphasized the urgent need for leadership, calling for the US to stand resolutely against terror. “There has never been a time where we need leadership more than right now,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of funding law enforcement, supporting Israel militarily, and countering “terrorist sympathizers.”
Congressman Thomas Suozzi took the stage to acknowledge the personal toll of the violence, naming Omer Neutra, a resident from his district who had been captured during the attacks. As the crowd chanted, “Bring them home,” Suozzi expanded on the broader threats facing both Israel and the US. “It’s not just Hamas. It’s also Hezbollah. It’s also the Houthis. It’s Iran sponsoring,” he warned, underscoring the larger network of terror that seeks to destabilize the region and harm both nations.
Nick LaLota, another congressman in attendance, evoked memories of past tragedies to illustrate the unity required in the present moment. “The world rallied together after December 7, 1941, and September 11, 2001. The question remains if the world will rally together after October 7, 2023,” he said. LaLota’s comparison served as a reminder that just as nations came together after those historical atrocities, there is now a need for a global consensus in confronting the aftermath of the attacks on Israel.
Blakeman, returning to the podium, shared a personal account of the moment he learned about the attacks. As a Jew observing the holidays of Sh’mini Atzeres and Simchas Torah, he was surprised to hear how many missed calls he was getting that morning. “My staff knows not to bother me on the Jewish holidays,” he said, but he recalled being informed by Commissioner Ryder of the tragic news and immediately mobilizing resources to secure local synagogues. His leadership in Nassau County extended beyond local safety concerns. Blakeman condemned any notion of “moral equivalency,” asserting, “This is a mission that Israel is on and must win. They must kill Hamas. Kill Hezbollah.” He also addressed the protests that have emerged in the wake of the attacks, particularly on college campuses, resolutely stating, “We will not tolerate thuggery, violence, and anti-Semitism in this county.”
In a deeply moving moment, 12 memorial candles were lit by members of Shevet Gefen, a Zionist youth Scout group, to honor the memory of the 1,200 people who were killed. This symbolic act served as a profound reminder of the human toll, a sentiment echoed by Nova festival survivor Shir Zohar, who shared the story of her friend, Ori Arad. He risked his life to save her during the attacks, only to be killed while they hid in a car for hours pretending to be dead. Zohar’s words, “They don’t want us to be sad. They want us to live again,” were a bittersweet testament to the resilience of survivors.
IDF veterans Maya Braverman and Legislator Mazi Pilip also spoke, offering firsthand accounts of growing up with conflict and serving in one of the world’s most formidable militaries. Braverman, who works with refugees from the October 7 attacks, recounted chilling stories, including one of a four-year-old who had learned how to defend against terrorists. Pilip, reflecting on her service in the Paratrooper Brigade, made it clear: “Israel is fighting on seven fronts. Israel is fighting evil.”
Perhaps one of the most gut-wrenching moments of the evening came from Ira Koller, a Lone Soldier and close friend of Omer Neutra. Speaking of the day Neutra was captured, Koller recounted, “I stared into the eyes of monsters.” His impassioned plea for the release of Neutra and all hostages resonated deeply with the audience, driving home the urgency of the ongoing conflict. “For Omer, the date has not hit midnight of October 7, 2023,” Koller stated, invoking the sense of time standing still for those still held captive.
The evening also featured a video message from Neutra’s parents, who, with raw emotion, implored, “He’s an American citizen. It doesn’t matter where you stand politically. Bring Omer home. Bring all of the hostages home.”
Closing the event, Johnny Daniels, an Israeli activist, urged the crowd to “stand tall, stand proud,” reminding the Jewish community of their resilience. “No other nation has been through what we have, and we always come through stronger,” he declared, emphasizing the pride that comes with being part of a people who have endured so much and still stand strong.
As the commemoration came to an end, Bruce Blakeman’s final words served as a rallying call. “Last year we had a rally four days after October 7. That day, I challenged you: Where will you be a week from now, a month from now, a year from now? All of you here have answered that challenge.”
The event was not only a memorial but a reminder of the unity and strength that defines both Israel and its supporters. It highlighted the importance of standing against hatred and terror, while honoring the memories of those who lost their lives. The words spoken, the songs sung, and the prayers offered, all came together to create an unforgettable evening of reflection, solidarity, and hope.
