JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Chabad at the University of North Florida hosted a memorial service to commemorate the 1,200 people killed on Oct. 7, 2023, in Israel on Monday.
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Watch the full event below.
The service took place between the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which is traditionally a time of atonement and introspection.
The event featured a recitation of Psalms, prayers for the return of the hostages, and stories of resilience from guest speaker Menachem Kalmenson, who was the recipient of Israel’s highest civic honor this year for saving over 100 civilians from harm on Oct. 7, 2023.
Kalmenson was a reserve soldier when he heard about the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel in 2023.
He, his brother, and his nephew were able to rescue men, women, and children specifically at a kibbutz which is equivalent to a farm.
Kalmenson was reunited with some of the families he helped, including a pregnant woman.
“Sorry, it’s difficult to see my brother like this,” Kalmenson said. “After a few hours of that, we get in and get out. We do it, try to be very careful and very quickly. We were scared of two things. Scared of terrorists, we tried to drive as quietly as we could without light and we were afraid of friendly fire.”
His stories left a lasting impression on everyone.
“Today marks one year from the Oct. 7 attacks,” Rabbi Shmuli Novack said. “We gathered here to remember; we gather to give each other strength and we are gathered to pick up the pieces and support one another on this important day.”
A UNF student talked about how the story moved them.
“It was so touching, I was very moved by it and all the things as a reserve soldier that he had to go through,” Brooke Baron said. “I felt so sorry so him and the people he lost. He saved a lot of people and that’s a miracle.
A graduate said he knew he had to come when he heard about the event.
“When I heard about this event, I had to come,” Kevin Craft said. “Really Oct. 7 was just a terrible day and its important to commemorate it.”
Conflict continues in Israel with terrorist groups and some neighboring countries but there is hope for peace as many reflect on the lives lost.