European Leaders Mourn Victims, Condemn Antisemitism Spike at October 7 Ceremonies

On Monday, European cities held solemn commemorations to mark the one-year anniversary of the brutal Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the largest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. The massacre, which shook Israel and the world, left a deep scar, and European leaders used this moment of reflection to honor the victims and address the alarming surge in antisemitism across the continent.

In Paris, the Eiffel Tower went dark at 11:45 p.m. in a powerful gesture of solidarity with the victims. Meanwhile, in Berlin, the iconic Brandenburg Gate was illuminated with the Israeli flag as crowds gathered to pay tribute. The names of those killed and kidnapped in the Hamas attack were read aloud in front of the gate, serving as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the hostages who remain in captivity.

Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed Israelis directly, assuring them that “we feel with you, we stand beside you,” while the German chancellery displayed a yellow ribbon to symbolize the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. As of now, 97 hostages remain in captivity, with many feared to have been killed during the conflict.

In Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended a synagogue memorial, where she voiced deep concern over the rise of antisemitism throughout Europe. Describing it as “alarming and unacceptable,” von der Leyen pledged increased resources to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish communities, vowing to protect their right to “live and thrive” across the continent.

These commemorations not only honored the memory of those lost to terror but also highlighted the urgent need to confront antisemitism. As Europe remembers the tragic events of October 7, 2023, its leaders are resolute in their commitment to safeguarding Jewish life and ensuring that such horrors are never repeated.

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