In Memoriam and Remembrance of the October 7 Attack on Israel by Hamas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Berlin, Germany, October 7, 2024— Today, we come together to mourn the profound loss of life and express our solidarity with the people of Israel, who on October 7, 2023, endured an unthinkable and coordinated attack by Hamas. This tragic assault, marked by widespread terror and violence, has left deep wounds on the Israeli people, impacting families, communities, and Jews around the world.
Hamas' actions, which included a barrage of rocket fire and brutal incursions into civilian areas, resulted in the deaths of innocent men, women, and children. These atrocities serve as a painful reminder of the ever-present threat of terrorism and the devastating human toll that accompanies it. The loss and suffering are not confined to Israel alone; this attack has reverberated across the globe, uniting people in sorrow and reflection.
As we honor the memories of those lost, we must also stand resolute in condemning all forms of hatred, including anti-Semitism. This ancient and pervasive form of prejudice continues to fuel violence, dehumanization, and injustice. The targeting of Jewish people, simply because of their identity, is a direct affront to our shared humanity and must be challenged wherever it arises.
Today, members of the IRF Secretariat team are visiting Holocaust memorial sites in Berlin. As they pay tribute to the millions of Jewish lives lost in one of history’s darkest chapters, we are reminded that this recent attack is not the first attempt to eliminate the Jewish race. However, with continued vigilance, solidarity, and action, we hope that soon we may see the last. We stand firm in our belief that such evil will never again succeed, and that humanity can triumph over hatred.
It is equally critical that we condemn all attacks on innocent civilians, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or faith. The deliberate targeting of non-combatants in any conflict is a violation of the most basic principles of human dignity and international law. We must remember that civilians, regardless of their geography or religion, bear the greatest burden in conflicts driven by hatred and extremism.
In this time of grief, we urge global leaders, organizations, and communities to unite in rejecting all forms of terror, violence, and discrimination. As we work toward peace and security, we also commit to confronting anti-Semitism and any ideology that justifies violence against the innocent.
In memorializing the victims of the October 7 attack, let us reaffirm our commitment to a future where hatred and terrorism are replaced by dialogue, justice, and compassion. The global community must come together to stand against all forms of bigotry and violence, ensuring that the memory of those lost serves as a catalyst for lasting change and peace.
This photo was taken outside the New Synagogue on Oranienburger Straße in Berlin, a mid-19th century synagogue built as the main place of worship for Berlin’s Jewish community, succeeding the Old Synagogue.
All media inquiries and press communications for the IRF Roundtable are managed and facilitated by the IRF Secretariat.
For further information, please contact:
Kaylee Fisher
kfisher@irfsecretariat.org
