On Oct. 7, 2024 in Parent’s Plaza, Muhlenberg students collaborated to host a vigil recognizing the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Israel by Hamas in which hundreds of Israeli citizens were killed and taken hostage. Danielle Hadge ‘26, one of the coordinators of the vigil, explained, “We chose not to have any organizational sponsorship because we believe that honoring those murdered and praying for the return of the innocent civilians held hostage by Hamas are issues that would be of concern to all Muhlenberg students and anyone with a sincere concern for human rights.” Hadge also began the proceedings of the vigil with a review of what occurred a year ago that day:
“Today we gather as a community to support each other as we honor those killed and pray for the return of our brothers and sisters held in captivity. Before we begin, we feel that it is important to acknowledge the tragedy that happened on Oct. 7, 2023. Oct. 7, the Shabbat of Simchat Torah, was the deadliest day for Jews since The Holocaust. At 6:29 in the morning under a heavy barrage of rocket fire, thousands of Hamas terrorists invaded Israel. With 91 vehicles equipped with weapons, they infiltrated military bases, kibbutzim and the Nova Music Festival. The Hamas terrorists displayed unimaginable brutality, by reaping and mutilating human bodies. They murdered senior citizens, including Holocaust survivors, men, women, children and entire families…Hundreds were then taken hostage to the Gaza strip, and 97 remain in Hamas captivity today.”
Leah Kressel ‘26 followed with the statement, “We come together to not only remember, but honor those we lost, those who were killed. We stand in solidarity with all who have been affected by that horrific day. Those killed were individuals with dreams, families and futures. We honor them by sharing their story and making sure their spirit will live on forever. May we let their hopes and dreams inspire us to seek a world of peace and understanding–a world where love triumphs over fear and compassion prevails over anger…Thank you for being here, for standing together and for continuing to carry the memories of those gone.”
Throughout the vigil, multiple students ascended the stage of Parent’s Plaza and led attendees in Hebrew prayers and songs, which were then translated into English. Other rituals included lighting candles for groups of people killed and highlighting testimonies of family members related to those currently held in captivity. Hadge says, “We keep in mind the 101 people held hostage by Hamas for the past year, ranging from 1-year-old Kfir Bibas to 86-year old Shlomo Mansour. This includes seven American citizens: Omer Neutra, Eden Alexander, Itai Chen, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Gadi Haggai, Judith Weinstein-Haggai and Keith Siegel.”
“I think it’s just a really beautiful view of community.”
Anna Weiss ‘26, who recited the Prayer for Peace, reflected on what participating in the vigil meant to her with the statement, “I really appreciate that this space is made for community healing… I’m honored to have been asked for the second year to say the Prayer for Peace. It feels very true to what I care about and what I’m thinking a lot about with what’s going on, which is just hoping for a better future. I think it’s just a really beautiful view of community.”
Before Weiss recited the Prayer for Peace, Kressel expressed what those students who organized the vigil hoped for in the future, including, “Oct. 7, 2023 was about as horrible a day as you could imagine, not only for Jews, but for all those who truly care about humanity. The year that followed was filled with additional deaths, trials and hardships not only for Jews, but also for innocents outside of the Jewish community. However, we find ourselves asking, ‘is it possible to hope for a better future? A more optimistic and just and kinder world where Jews and Muslims, Palestinians and Israelis, can live in peace? Where Israel and its neighbors respect each other and thrive together?’ We hope also that true understanding grounded in the knowledge of history and thoughtful morality can guide peaceful discussions in world affairs. Beyond this, we hope that universities can become places once again where ideas prevail based on the validity of argument, and not based on the intimidation of the people who make them. Ultimately, we are all one human family who must learn to live together.”
The vigil concluded with the singing of Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah,” as well as closing remarks from Hadge and Kressel. Hadge noted, “We concluded the vigil by saying, ‘May the wounded be healed, the captives be returned home, and those who have perished rest easily. And may this war end.’”
Samantha Tempkin ‘25 is a theatre and media & communication double major and is thrilled to be joining the Weekly’s staff as an Assistant News Editor! She is also the co-president of KPC, Muhlenberg’s K-Pop club. When she is not writing for the paper, Sam loves singing, dancing, listening to music, seeing Broadway shows, watching Marvel movies, and hanging out with friends!
