Arlington Heights to mark one year since Oct 7. terror attacks with memorial service, kindness campaign
Arlington Heights remembers worst attack on Jews since Holocaust, unifies in prayer, solidarity and resolve
In commemoration of one year since the attacks on Oct. 7, the deadliest attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust, the Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights is hosting a memorial service at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. This event will bring the community together in prayer and unity as well as a campaign to increase kindness and good deeds in our community.
On Shemini Atzeret, one of the most joyous Jewish holidays (celebrating the completion of reading of the Torah cycle), Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas and other Gaza-based terrorist groups attacked Israeli cities, towns and settlements, launching a full-scale invasion and firing thousands of rockets, murdering over 1,200 and plunging Israel into war.
“As we navigate the one year anniversary of this dark day, we remember those who were senselessly murdered, and the stories of resilience and heroism that demonstrate the indomitable spirit of the Jewish people,” says Rabbi Yaakov Kotlarsky, director of Chabad in Arlington Heights and organizer of the event.
“Remembering those martyrs who were murdered a year ago is not just about shared grief. It’s about remembering the eternality of each soul and that the way we choose to fight darkness is through increasing in light,” adds Rabbi Yaakov. “We must remember that by illuminating our own corner of the world with acts of goodness and kindness, we can impact events on the other side of the world.”
Emil Tessler, and IDF reservist, will be joining from Toronto to share the story of his brother who survived the Nova festival, the time he spent in Gaza, and his personal journey in strengthening his faith and connection to Judaism in response to the horrors of Oct. 7.
The memorial service will take place between the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, traditionally a time of atonement and introspection where Jews pray for forgiveness and ask G-d to grant them a good year. Last year, Oct. 7 coincided on the Jewish calendar with the Shemini Atzeret, the “Festival of Joy.” Traditionally, the Yartzeit (anniversary of passing) customs are observed according to the Hebrew date, which will occur each year on 22nd of the month of Tishrei, in addition to memorial events or services planned for Oct. 7.
The service is in memory of the 1,200 people that were murdered, and will feature recitation of Psalms, prayers for the safe return of the hostages, and stories of resilience and unity that have characterized the past year. Chabad invites all members of the community to attend the memorial ceremony and participate in acts of Torah, prayer, and charity.
For information about the event, visit www.ChabadAH.org/israel.
The event is open to all and is free. Location will be provided upon registration.
Chabad Jewish Center of Arlington Heights offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. For information, visit us online at ChabadAH.org.