Rockaway Remembers October 7 Attacks in Israel

Story and Photos
By Katie McFadden
October 7 marked one year since the horrific Hamas attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, including 46 Americans and citizens of 30 other countries. Additionally, Hamas took 254 hostages, including 12 Americans. It is believed 101 hostages remain in Gaza, including seven Americans. On Sunday, October 6, members of Rockaway’s Jewish community gathered on Beach 108th Street to hold a peaceful vigil to remember the fallen and pray for the remaining hostages.
On Sunday, more than 30 people joined together for the ceremony which included a reading of the names of the 101 remaining hostages in Gaza. After the names were read, a group of surfers took 101 white flowers and an Israeli flag out into the ocean for a memorial paddle out, while those on the beach threw flowers into the shoreline.
The event was organized by local resident Oshri Shalmoni and young surfer Judah Samotin. “This is a one-year memorial for October 7. There are still hostages there, including seven Americans, and we wanted to hold a prayer for them,” Samotin said. “This is important because of everything going on in the world. We live in trying times and we wanted to have a prayer for everybody in the world.”
“There are still seven Americans among the hostages there and we’re trying to stay focused on that and getting them home,” Shalmoni said. The war in Israel hits close to home for Shalmoni, as ahead of the paddle out, he FaceTimed with his sister, who lives in Israel and is hiding in a bunker as Israel remains under attack on several fronts from various terrorist groups in the Middle East.
Local resident Daniel Goldberg said, “Tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel. It was a tragic and terrible thing and an event that should’ve never happened but we’re here to give support for the hostages who are still captive and we’re here supporting the families in Israel who had their kids and loved ones killed in the event and showing that the support here in America is strong for Israel.”
Another local resident, Tina Schlissel, said she fell in love with Israel after living in a kibbutz near the border to Jordan for six months. “I’m a big supporter. I’m Jewish and I’m pro-Israel,” she said.
When the surfers returned from the water, several white doves were released into the sky as a symbol for peace for Israel and the world.