A Day of Remembrance: Reflections on the Hamas Attack

Foreign Secretary David Lammy marked a somber anniversary, describing October 7 as “a day of deep reflection and pain” as he honored the victims of last year’s Hamas attack on Israel. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, was characterized by Lammy as “the worst attack on the Jewish community since the Holocaust.”

During a poignant speech at South Tottenham Synagogue, Lammy reflected on the ongoing plight of hostages still held in Gaza, with a particular focus on Emily Damari, the only British-Israeli hostage remaining in captivity. Damari, 28, was abducted from a kibbutz along with around 250 others during the attack. Lammy highlighted the anguish faced by her family, who remain without news of her well-being or fate, emphasizing that a total of 97 hostages remain unaccounted for.

In the aftermath of the attack, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza that has claimed thousands of Palestinian lives, further complicating the situation. Lammy acknowledged the pain this day brings to the Jewish community, both in the UK and globally. “This is a painful day for the Jewish community across this country and across the diaspora,” he stated, reiterating the significance of October 7.

At a memorial event in London, Mandy Damari, Emily’s mother, shared her anguish. She revealed that hostages released last November reported having contact with her daughter during their captivity. “Every day is living hell not knowing what Emily is going through,” Mandy said, pleading for greater action from the UK and other nations to secure the release of her daughter and the remaining hostages.

Mandy expressed frustration and desperation, questioning why her daughter has remained imprisoned for an entire year. “How is it that she is still imprisoned there after one year? Why isn’t the whole world, especially Britain, fighting every moment to secure her release? She’s one of their own,” she urged, underscoring the need for urgent action.

Emily Damari, who was born in Israel and had a deep affection for the UK, was fondly remembered by her mother as someone who loved visiting her “second home across the sea.” Mandy recounted Emily’s enjoyment of local culture, including attending Tottenham Hotspur games, socializing at pubs, and shopping at Primark.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also addressed the day’s significance, emphasizing that the UK must “unequivocally” support the Jewish community. He referred to October 7 as the “darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust,” highlighting the collective grief experienced across the nation. “As a father, a husband, a son, a brother – meeting the families of those who lost their loved ones last week was unimaginable. Their grief and pain are ours, and it is shared in homes across the land,” he stated.

The reflections shared during this day of remembrance resonate deeply within the Jewish community and beyond, as families continue to grapple with the devastating impacts of the attack. The plight of the hostages, particularly Emily Damari, remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing human suffering in the region, calling for concerted efforts from the international community to advocate for their release.

As the anniversary unfolds, the messages of solidarity and support for those affected by the attack underscore the need for continued dialogue and action to address the complexities of the situation in the region. In commemorating this tragic event, the hope for healing, justice, and the safe return of hostages remains a vital pursuit for families and communities alike.