NYC marks Oct. 7 anniversary of Israel-Hamas war with memorial

NEW YORK (PIX11) --- Hundreds of New Yorkers and politicians are coming together Monday to remember the victims of the Hamas-Israel war one year after the conflict began in the Middle East.

The memorial kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on the south side of Union Square.

"We will say loudly and clearly not another bomb," organizers said.

During the event, the attendees will listen to the stories and names of Palestinians and Israelis who have been killed, and participate in the Jewish mourning rituals of lighting candles and laying stones to honor and remember the dead.

People at the memorial will be carrying a 26-foot-long painted banner reading, “Every Life A Universe” and signs saying “Mourn The Dead, Fight For The Living."

More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Israel invaded after the Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack by Hamas. At least 1,200 people were killed and Hamas took 250 people hostage in its attack on Israel.

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is expected to attend the memorial, along with Council Members Shahana Hanif, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Alexa Avilés, Sandy Nurse, Tiffany Cabán, and State Senator Kristen Gonzalez.

After the memorial, there will be a separate vigil featuring words from families of the hostages, Palestinians in Gaza, bereaved family members, and peace activists. 

The memorial is organized by IfNotNow, Jews For Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ), Shoresh, and Halachic Left.

Citywide protests are also expected at Wall Street, City Hall, Washington Square Park, Union Square, Grand Central, Times Square, and Columbus Circle, according to a post on Within Our Lifetime’s X account.