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Here’s how Jewish groups in Boston are marking the anniversary of the Hamas attacks
Studies show an increase in antisemitism in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks.
Jewish groups in Boston and the surrounding area are coming together to commemorate the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas.
Protests erupted on college campuses in Boston following the Oct. 7 attacks and subsequent military response from Israel last year, leading to thousands of arrests.
Oct. 7:
Meanwhile, studies have shown an increase in antisemitism since Oct. 7. The Anti-Defamation League recorded 440 antisemitic incidents in Massachusetts in 2023. In response, Gov. Maura Healey included provisions to create a Special Commission on Antisemitism in the new Mass. state budget.
One year since the Hamas attack on Israel, here’s how some Jewish people in Boston are coming together to reflect.
Oct. 7: An Evening of Remembrance & Hope
Combined Jewish Philanthropies, Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, the Israeli-American Council, and synagogues and partners across Greater Boston are hosting a free community event at the Wang Theatre. The event will feature music, speakers, and stories from people directly affected by Oct. 7.
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When: Monday, Oct. 7, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Boch Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston
Every Life, A Universe: Boston 10/7 Memorial Gathering for Israeli and Palestinian Life
IfNotNow, a movement of American Jews that has been critical of Israel’s policies, is leading hundreds of residents gathering at the Boston Public Gardens to grieve the Israeli, Palestinian, and Lebanese lives lost on Oct. 7 and since. There will be a sculpture of a yahrzeit candle to symbolize Jewish mourning and sculptural poppies to symbolize Palestinian liberation.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley, MA-07, clergy, and community leaders will speak at the event.
When: Monday, Oct. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Boston Public Gardens
Oct. 7, One Year Later: Gathering of Support and Care
Jewish Family and Children’s Service is offering three support circles, facilitated by Rabbi Allison Berry and Danielle Darish, LICSW, for the community to recognize the anniversary of Oct. 7.
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“A Circle of Support is a small group facilitated by trained support group specialists that creates a safe space for each participant to share without judgment their thoughts, feelings and struggles,” the event posting says.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 12-1:15 p.m.
Where: Online
One Year Since 10/7: Perspectives From Communal Leaders
The Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program is having a panel of Jewish leadership to discuss the “Jewish communal context” one year after Oct. 7. Moderated by Hornstein Director Liora Norwich and Professor of the Practice Barry Shrage, the panelists include Adina Poupko, executive director of the Natan Fund, Erika B. Rudin-Luria, president of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, and Rabbi David Wolpe of the Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi Sinai Temple.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 12-1:15 p.m.
Where: Online
Elevating Shabbat: Reflection, Renewal and Resilience
OneTable Boston is hosting a conversation about holding the High Holidays after Oct. 7 “through the lens of Shabbat dinner.”
There will be kosher, pescatarian small plates, dessert, and drinks, as well as facilitated conversations, and exercises for community building and reflection.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Lehrhaus, 425 Washington St., Somerville
Jewish Ritual Innovation After 10/7: Hope, Resilience and Memory
Rabbi Vanessa Ochs, Ph.D., an ethnographer of Jewish practice and material culture, is discussing the Jewish ritual responses following Oct. 7 that have emerged worldwide.
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When: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Usdan Student Center, 415 South St., Waltham
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