A Year Later, Hebrew Center Gathers Community to Remember

When Rabbi Caryn Broitman woke up Monday morning, she said she felt numb and spent the day weeping.

Monday, October 7 was the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, when militants crossed the border and killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 250 hostages. Many say it was the most deadly attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust.

On Monday evening Rabbi Broitman held a service of remembrance at the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center to mourn the deaths and pray for the safe return of hostages, and for peace in the region.

“I feel so appreciative to have a community of people all across the Island that we can mourn together,” Rabbi Broitman said at the start of the service.

Throughout the event seven candles were lit, each representing different themes such as pain, grief, courage, peace and hope. One candle was dedicated to the families of the hostages.

Five members of the Island clergy were asked to light the candles. Rev. Cathlin Baker of the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury lit the first candle and sat beside pastor Woody Bowman who lit the sixth. Rev. Stephen Harding and his wife, Storm, of Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven also lit candles, as did pastor Leo Christian from the Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven and Rabbi Brian Walt.