Full Breakdown
Commemorating the Second Anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Attacks
9/30/2025, 8:03:20 PM
Memorial Events Across the Bay Area
As the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks approaches, various memorial events are scheduled throughout the Bay Area to honor the victims and foster community solidarity. These gatherings aim to express collective mourning and hope for peace and healing.
On Sunday, October 5, several events will take place, including an outdoor memorial service titled "An Evening of Remembrance" at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Additionally, a community bike ride named "Riding for Them" will occur in Contra Costa County from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Contra Costa JCC will also host a Yizkor service, "Two Years Since October 7th: An Evening of Remembrance," at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, October 7, the actual anniversary, a Yizkor service will be held at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Congregation Shir Shalom in Sonoma will also honor the fallen at 7 p.m. that evening.
Further events include a simultaneous memorial service on October 9 at Congregation B’nai Israel in Sacramento and Temple Or Rishon in Orangevale, with a livestream option available. On October 16, a Hebrew-language memorial event titled "Honoring October 7" will take place at the Peninsula JCC in Foster City from 4 to 6 p.m., featuring creative expression projects and therapy sessions.
Broader Community Engagement
In addition to the memorial services, other community events are planned to address the ongoing impact of the October 7 attacks. For instance, a film screening titled "The New Jew: Days of War" will be held at 3Below Theaters in San Jose on October 5, followed by a discussion on evolving Jewish identity during times of conflict. Sara Shadmi-Wortman, founder of the Varda Institute in Israel, will speak on October 5 at Peninsula Sinai in Foster City about her experiences with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
Another event, "Remembering Oct. 7th," will feature song, prayer, and reflection, co-sponsored by several local Jewish organizations, on the evening of October 5.
Official Statements & Responses
Community leaders emphasize the importance of these memorial events as a means of healing and remembrance. They aim to provide a space for collective grief and reflection, acknowledging the ongoing trauma experienced by many since the attacks.
Criticism & Opposition
While the majority of events focus on remembrance and healing, some community members express concerns regarding the potential for politicization of the memorials. They advocate for a focus on unity and support for all affected families, regardless of differing political views on the conflict.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It feels hard to make sense of the passage of time; the war is still raging, all the hostages are still not home, and even two years later, much of our grief from that day is still unseen.” — Rabbi Sari Laufer, Chief Engagement Officer at Stephen Wise Temple
- “This is a chance for us to be together and to feel seen.” — Organizer of the Virtual Sukkot Vigil
These memorial events reflect a commitment to honoring the memory of those lost and fostering a sense of community resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
