Oct. 7, 2025 marked the second anniversary of the start of the war in Gaza, a devastating event that has affected millions of Israeli and Palestinian people. This Oct. 7, Port Washington and Long Island citizens honor all those who have been lost or have passed during these two most treacherous years.
While the Oct. 7 attacks have certainly affected the lives of millions, it has certainly affected the citizens of Port Washington and their children.
Schreiber’s Jewish Culture Club met on Friday, Oct. 10, to discuss their feelings surrounding Oct. 7. Co-presidents and juniors Elizabeth Milgrim and Zoe Afik discussed the events that occurred two years ago and how to spread awareness and display youth Jewish identity with pride. Many members of the club felt supported, knowing of the response to global Jewish persecution in Port Washington.
“Knowing that there are so many people there to support and stand there with us is most definitely comforting. It feels good to know that we are not alone and that our heritage stands strong in our community. These last two years have affected me detrimentally but have also positively affected my perspective regarding the support of my religion on Long Island,” said Afik.
Several Jewish organizations and synagogues have hosted events and memorials to remember Oct. 7. Temple Beth Israel (TBI) hosted a Port Washington wide memorial, including several local synagogues, to share prayers over those who are living in today’s post-war conditions.
Much of Long Island is also commemorating Jewish people’s losses and reaching out to give their support. The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC) held a special commemoration to honor the memories of victims, hostages, and their families. The HMTC’s mission is to “preserve the history of the Holocaust by honoring the victims and by teaching lessons that combat hatred, intolerance, and bullying,” according to their website.
Many of Schrieber’s students have been personally impacted by the war. Several students have close relationships with Israeli citizens, and some have relatives and family friends living in Israel at present.
“As someone who has several relations with many people who live in Israel, it’s both very difficult and incredibly scary thinking about what could happen to my friends and family. This war has both affected me and my closest relationships and that is so very terrifying to know,” said sophomore Dylan Diamond.
On Oct. 8, Eisenhower Park hosted an event in remembrance of the beginning of the war. An estimated 10,000 people came to participate in the ceremony.
“It is sad to know what is going on in the world right now. I can’t believe there is such terrible religious oppression. It is absolutely crucial for people to stay both strong and diligent during such a difficult time in Israel and Gaza,” said freshman Emilia Cerda.
Two years ago, a Palestinian-Islam fundamentalist group known as Hamas, revolted against the state of Israel. At 6:03 a.m., Israelis faced a terror attack. Both the Israelis and Palestinians had no idea what would come of the next two years.
On Oct. 7, 2023, citizens around the globe watched in horror as Hamas’s assault resulted in cases of public maiming, murder, and abductions that took the lives of 1,200 people. The event left the Israeli government astounded and perplexed, with no further or earlier preparation for this ambush. On Oct. 7, 2023, citizens around the globe watched in horror as Hamas’s assault resulted in cases of public maiming, murder, and abductions that took the lives of 1,200 people. The event left the Israeli government perplexed, with no further or earlier preparation for this ambush.
This affected global populations of many Jewish people. Oct. 7 was one of the biggest instances of antisemitism since the Holocaust. The disconsolence of this massacre concluded that war must be declared on Hamas. An action that would further disturb and dismantle international relations between Israel and Palestine.
However, good news has been brought which provides hope that the conflict is hopefully coming to an end. However, the many memorials, homages, tributes and testimonials this past week have most definitely brought the people on Long Island together. Regardless, people still hope for peace and prosperity during these troubling times.