Posted on: October 7, 2024, 07:30h.
Last updated on: October 7, 2024, 07:30h.
Some 100 Las Vegas area residents turned out on Sunday for the first anniversary of the Hamas terror attacks targeting those attending Israel’s Nova Music Festival.
Fresh in everyone’s minds were the 1,200 victims, more than 360 of whom were killed, while others were raped, assaulted, tortured, and traumatized by the terrorist group on October 7, 2023. Some 250 were taken hostage. One hundred and one hostages have yet to be freed.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Chapter of the Israeli American Council (IAC), the gathering was held at Las Vegas City Hall.
Bring Hostages Home
“There should be no doubt, we as a nation must continue to help Israel bring home the hostages and defeat the terrorists who threaten them,” U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (D, Nev.) was quoted while speaking at the commemoration.
We reflect on the individuals whose lives were lost,” added Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman, R. “The families shattered, and the impact that this senseless act of violence has had on all of us.”
Eitan Gonen, the father of hostage Romi Gonen, 24, was quoted by Las Vegas TV station KLAS, “She’s been fighting for her life, for herself, and for the other hostages. We, as her family, have been fighting for her.”
We are so tired of seeing her beautiful face on banners, T-shirts or stickers,” Gonen said. “I want to simply hug my daughter. I want to hold her tight and see her dance again.”
“That’s why I’m here because no parent should have to experience the nightmare, we the hostages’ families, are going through.”
Also, Maayan Snapir, whose grandfather, Oded Lifshitz, a retired Israeli journalist, also remains captive.
“We must remember that the hostages still waiting to come home, they are not just numbers. They are parents, siblings, and friends,” Snapir added.
Historically, the October 7 attack was the deadliest incident in the history of the modern state of Israel.
Israel Continues to Fight for Survival
“It would have been unbearable enough if we had gathered here today on this terrible anniversary to commemorate events long past,” Elan Carr, CEO of the IAC, was quoted by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
But we are not here merely to commemorate events long past, because now one year later, the State of Israel is still fighting for its right to survive.”
Since the terrorist attack, Israeli forces have fought against Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah terrorist forces based in Lebanon, and other militant groups linked to Iran, as well as the Iranian military.
Tens of thousands of civilians were reportedly killed in Gaza during the fighting. A Las Vegas Strip rally was held over the weekend to remember them.
