By Jack Wynn
University of Maryland students mourned during vigils last Monday evening in remembrance of the lives lost on the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks against Israel.
Most found themselves at one of two vigils: one organized by UMD Hillel at 8 p.m. and another sponsored by the Students for Justice in Palestine organization on McKeldin Mall at 6 p.m.
On Oct. 7, 2023, the terrorist organization, Hamas, as recognized by the United States, launched an attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. According to the American Jewish Community, the attack left 1,200 people dead, including 46 Americans and citizens of more than 30 different countries. Hamas took 254 people hostage, including women, children and 12 Americans.
The attack escalated tension and conflict that dates back at least dozens, if not thousands, of years.
Initial plans for the SJP-sponsored events were restricted, as University President Darryll Pines announced on Sept. 1 that only university-sponsored events would be permitted on campus. Pines said these efforts were at the recommendation of the University of Maryland Police Department due to safety concerns.
However, following a lawsuit filed by the Council of American-Islamic Relations and Palestine Legal on Sept. 17 on the grounds of “free speech rights under the first amendment,” the district court ruled that UMD had to grant the SJP its reservation of McKeldin Mall to host events throughout the day, including the evening vigil.
“I think it’s a disgrace that the university tried to block this event,” junior government and politics major Stefano Raffo said. “I understand that there’s concerns for safety at all times … but at the same time, there’s also a public forum and all events should be allowed, regardless of how uncomfortable they are for the community, regardless of how difficult that may be.”
The UMD Hillel’s vigil began at 8 p.m. and was the concluding event of their day of remembrance. The vigil presented a combination of tragic stories, prayers and speeches from community leaders.
Attendees expressed sadness while remembering the suffering that occurred, but also a sense of desperation for the safety and security of Jewish people.
Tears were shed.
Yet, despite how contentious these times have been and how many people have lost friends and family, the event bolstered a strong sense of community.
“I think students should take away that the Jewish community is strong and we are here for each other,” President of Terps for Israel and sophomore information sciences major Ella Elimelech said. “Although it’s been a really hard year for everyone, what’s come out of it is we’re all stronger and we’re here for one another.”
During the vigil, Rabbi Ari Israel told the story of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, who was killed during the war. Rabbi Israel said the story emphasized that for there to be growth as a community, there must be an understanding of what others have gone through.
“I want to uplift her story. It breaks my heart that she lost her life,” Rabbi Israel said. “I shared with our community earlier today that while it is hard for global and Israeli Jews, it is also a hard day for innocent civilians in Gaza, southern Lebanon and elsewhere who are caught up in this conflict.”
Similar ideas were emphasized at the SJP-sponsored vigil held earlier in the evening at 6 p.m., where students and families gathered to mourn the thousands of lives that have been lost over the past year. Many told stories of Palestinian families who have been separated, displaced and killed, not only since Oct. 7, but also during the decades of conflict leading up to it.
“Once you watch [the vigil], part of me hardly believes that it’s been one year,” freshman neuroscience major Fatema Ali said. “I just really wanted to take time and acknowledge that and really come to terms [with it while] surrounded by a community of people who also realize how important this event is.”
Many also took the opportunity to advocate for action to be taken by the UMD administration.
“[Students should realize] the gravity of the situation and really be motivated to do what it takes, as much as everything possible, to provide aid and help in whatever way they can,” Ali said.
Rifka Handelman, the President of UMD’s Jewish Voice for Peace and a senior environmental science and policy major, lit a yahrzeit candle, a Jewish tradition of mourning, and called for the greater community to rally around ending the war and bringing peace to the Middle East.
“As the Jewish community descended from survivors of the Holocaust, we say ‘never again,’ Handelman shouted. “We do not say ‘never forget,’ we say ‘never again.’ And when we say ‘never again,’ it’s never again for anyone.”
The students at the two vigils heard different stories, held different beliefs and prayed different prayers, but all mourned the lives of human beings that have been lost.
Featured Image: Students share stories during a vigil held at McKeldin Mall last Monday, detailing the suffering they have faced since the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, against Israel. Photo by Jack Wynn.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include an attribution. The following information, “According to the American Jewish Community, the attack left 1,200 people dead, including 46 Americans and citizens of more than 30 different countries. Hamas took 254 people hostage, including women, children and 12 Americans,” is accurate.