On Monday, Israelis, Jews, and many others around the world will mark one year since the Oct. 7 attacks, when over 1,200 people were murdered and Hamas took another 250 hostage.
Oct. 7 was the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Citizens of over 40 countries, in addition to Israelis, were kidnapped and killed in the attack.
After a year of war, the anniversary will serve for many as a day to mourn and heal together. Here are some ways you can mark the anniversary in Israel and around the world.
1. Light a memorial candle
In Judaism, on the anniversary of a person’s death (Yahrzeit), a candle is often lit in their memory.
While these candles are usually lit by relatives of the deceased, anyone can light a candle in someone’s memory, even if they didn’t know them. The tradition comes from a verse in Proverbs (20:27) “Man’s soul is the Lord’s lamp, which searches out all the innermost parts.” The candle is known in Hebrew as a “Ner Neshama” (a candle for the soul).
On days of mass tragedy or mourning, such as Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) or Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron), many Jews across Israel and the diaspora light candles or torches in memory of those lost, including those who have no relatives left to honor their memory.
On Oct. 7, many people across Israel and the world will light memorial candles, and you can, too, no matter if you knew someone who was lost in the massacre or not. The candle is a sign of remembrance, meant to spread light in the void left by the loss. Anyone can help spread that light.
2. Visit grave sites
Many Israelis will be gathering at the graves of loved ones they lost on Oct. 7 and in the fighting since.
It’s a common practice in Israel for the general public to visit grave sites to provide support for the mourners and to honor the memory of the departed.
The widespread call-up of reserves due to the operation in Lebanon means that some relatives of the fallen may not be able to make it to the graves on Oct. 7. Visiting the graves can help provide comfort to families who can’t attend this year, letting them know that their loved ones aren’t alone or forgotten.
3. Study Torah
Another common practice among Jews is to study Torah in honor of those lost.
Many Jews believe that studying Torah, especially parts of the Mishnah – a collection of books on Jewish law – helps elevate their soul in the afterlife (The Hebrew letters that form the word “Mishnah” – mem, shin, nun, and hey – also form the word “Neshama” or soul when rearranged).
Many resources for Torah learning are available online, including Sefaria and Chabad, among a multitude of other sites that are just a Google search away.
4. Practice mitzvot in honor of the victims
Torah learning isn’t the only mitzvah (commandment) you can do in honor of the fallen.
There are tons of different mitzvot you can do in their honor, whether it’s giving charity or saying a prayer. Whatever you decide to do, the important thing is that it’s something you connect with.
5. Contribute to your community and others
Another way to honor the memory of the fallen is to give charity and volunteer with your community.
In the Yizkor (Memorial) prayer recited on the anniversary of a loved one’s death, the person reciting it also commits to give charity in their memory, as good deeds help elevate the souls of the departed.
Helping others is also a way to turn grief into positive action and to reflect the values of those lost.
There’s a ton of different ways to contribute. Find a local charity that may need volunteers, help make or order support packages for soldiers or the tens of thousands of Israelis still evacuated from their homes, help with the preparations for a ceremony or vigil, or volunteer with any of the myriad of social action opportunities available in most communities.
6. Attend a vigil
Vigils and memorial ceremonies are another meaningful way to mark the anniversary of Oct. 7. No matter where you are, there’s likely to be a ceremony nearby, or one you can take part in virtually.
In Israel, a central vigil will be held by families of the fallen and the hostages in Tel Aviv at 7:00 p.m. Israel time.
Due to Home Front Command directives, only the families will be able to attend the ceremony in person. However, it will be broadcast live on Israeli TV channels and dozens of TV channels worldwide with live translations. Local screenings of the ceremony will also be held in many communities.
An additional pre-recorded ceremony organized by the government will be broadcast on Israeli TV at 9:15 p.m. Israel time.
Around the world, vigils and ceremonies are being planned by community organizations, synagogues, and many others. In North America, many of the events are being organized by local Jewish Federations, so make sure to check your local federation’s social media if you’re unsure where to find information. A quick Google search should also bring up any events in your area.
7. Visit Hostage Square or the Nova Festival exhibit near you
Besides ceremonies, you can also visit exhibits and memorial sites commemorating the victims of the massacre in Israel and around the world.
In Israel, a central site is Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, where families of the hostages often gather to raise support for their loved ones still being held captive in Gaza.
Memorials have also been set up in locations around the Gaza Strip, including the site of the Nova Music Festival. Some of these locations may have restricted access due to the ongoing war, so it’s important to check online before going.
Exhibits memorializing those lost at the Nova Music Festival are also being set up in communities worldwide, including Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Buenos Aires.
Additional exhibitions displaying art and photos about Oct. 7 have been organized in Israel and worldwide as well.
Virtual tours of many of these exhibitions and memorial sites are available online. One such memorial has been published by KAN, Israel’s national broadcaster, in both English and Hebrew, where visitors can learn about the communities impacted by the massacre.
8. Spend time with loved ones
While remembering all we’ve lost in the past year, it’s also important to remember what and who we still have with us.
Spend time with your loved ones and with your community. Build bridges and strengthen relationships. On this difficult day, bring some light into your world and the world of others.
The Jewish ethos is centered on life. On Memorial Day in Israel, the phrase “bemotam tzivu lanu et hachayim” (“in their death, they commanded us to live”) is often recited to show that, despite the immense pain and mourning, we have to learn to keep going and embrace life. So, one of the best ways to honor the memory of the victims of Oct. 7, is to dedicate some time to those still with us, friends, family, and community.
9. Reach out to others who may be struggling
For many, the past year has been a year of non-stop action.
Whether it’s being called up to reserve service, dealing with protests in your city or on campus, handling the stark reality of living through a war, or just trying to get through a year of college, Oct. 7 may be the first time many people will get a chance to process the attack and the chaos that’s followed.
Everyone is going to be struggling with difficult emotions on Monday. It is more important than ever to be there for friends, family, and members of your community, and to draw on that support network as well.
10. Give yourself the time and space to process
While it’s important to be there for others on the anniversary of Oct. 7, it’s also important to take time for yourself and to know your limits.
Take this opportunity to process the emotions you may not have had the opportunity to over the past year. It’s been a really intense year. It’s important to give yourself a chance to breathe and feel.
