Today, 3 years after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, the South African Jewish community joins others worldwide to commemorate the lives lost and families affected. On that day, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups launched a coordinated assault from Gaza into southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting hundreds. The attacks left deep scars, with many victims taken from their homes and held hostage.
The attacks' impact was felt far beyond Israel's borders, including in South Africa. Members of the local Jewish community experienced the events through relatives, friends, and colleagues in Israel. The sense of vulnerability created by that day reached far beyond Israel, prompting widespread concern and solidarity. For the Jewish community, remembrance is not just about looking back but also an expression of solidarity with those affected.
Hen Feder, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in South Africa, highlighted the importance of remembrance. He recalled meeting families of hostages who pleaded for help to free their loved ones from Hamas captivity. These families, including Cohen, Angarest, Kalderon, and Yahalomi, among others, showed remarkable strength in the face of unimaginable trauma. Their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the attacks.
The South African Jewish community has demonstrated its commitment to remembrance through various gatherings and events. These have included synagogue and community centre meetings, candle-lighting ceremonies, and support for affected families. The Embassy of Israel has participated in these commemorations alongside community members and representatives of other faiths.
Last year, a gathering in Johannesburg provided an opportunity to honour those killed and recognise those who had returned from captivity. Such events underscore the importance of preserving the memories of victims and supporting their families. By sharing survivors' stories and acknowledging the ongoing grief of families, the community aims to keep the victims' memories alive.
For Jewish communities, remembrance has a particular significance, drawing on historical experiences where the world forgot the names and stories of Jewish victims. The 7 October attacks deserve neither simplification nor silence; they require recognition, remembrance, and a commitment to a future where Jewish people can live safely, without fear of being targeted because of their identity.
As the South African Jewish community and others worldwide mark this anniversary, they reaffirm the principle that every human life has a name, family, and story – and none should be forgotten. By remembering the victims, their families, and the hostages who were taken, the community aims to ensure that their stories continue to resonate and that their memories remain present in the conscience of future generations.
Key points
- The South African Jewish community commemorates the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks, recalling victims and stressing solidarity with affected families.
- The attacks killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted hundreds, leaving deep scars in Israel and worldwide.
- Remembrance efforts include gatherings, candle-lighting ceremonies, and support for families, aiming to preserve victims' memories and promote a future where Jewish people can live safely.
