Thousands of people gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Sunday to honor the memory of the victims of the October 7 attacks that occurred a year ago. Survivors and families of those affected shared their stories and reflections on the tragic events.
One survivor, Sapir Cohen, bravely recounted her harrowing experience in captivity, where she witnessed the profound impact of the ordeal on her fellow hostages. Despite the fear and uncertainty, Cohen found strength in helping others, transforming from a fearful individual to a confident and resilient person during her 55 days in captivity.
While Cohen has been released, her partner Sasha Troufanov remains in captivity, highlighting the ongoing pain and suffering endured by many.
Noam Peri, whose father Chaim Peri was among those killed in the attacks, also spoke at the vigil, sharing a poignant memory of spending time with her father on the eve of the tragedy. The Peri family gathered to hear Chaim Peri recount his experiences from the Yom Kippur War, creating a bittersweet moment of unity and love.
Chaim Peri was kidnapped from the Nir Oz kibbutz on October 7, and his body, along with those of five other hostages, was recovered by the Israeli military in mid-August, bringing closure to a long and painful chapter for their families.
The vigil served as a solemn reminder of the lasting impact of the October 7 attacks and the resilience of those affected by the tragedy. As the community came together to honor the memory of the victims, they also found strength in unity and shared remembrance.
