LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel may be happening across the globe, but with the Jewish holidays upon us, it's clear that they're still having direct impacts on people here in Central Arkansas.
"We are reflecting on today with solemn memory and with resolve," said Rabbi Barry Block.
Rabbi Block with Congregation B'nai Israel said he's seen the aftermaths of the attacks in person.
"I have been to Israel twice since last October seventh," he described.
In July, Rabbi Block went to one of the communities that was worst affected.
"It was really devastating, horrifying, just to be in a burned-out preschool, like, who does that," he exclaimed.
Last November he met with survivors, hostage families, and other Rabbis.
"We were there to give them some strength to make a pastoral call on our colleagues In November," he said.
The October 7th attack in 2023 tragically took place on the Jewish holiday Simchat Torah, which means the joy of the Torah.
"It's one of our most joyous moments in our entire year. And so Simchat Torah was turned from gladness to devastating sadness," he added.
This year, the also anniversary comes near a time of celebration.
"This year, October, 7, falls between Rosh Hashanah our new year, and Yom Kippur, our day of repentance. So celebrating a new year and saying to each other, Shana Tova, which literally means a good year, but colloquially it means happy new year, seems very discordant on October third and fourth, like it was only days before October 7 anniversary," he explained.
Through it all the Rabbi said there is still hope and they will persevere.
On Monday evening the Jewish community gathered at the temple to spread that message of hope as they mourned the anniversary and lives that have been lost.
