Tomorrow is October 7. A date that forever will be etched in our hearts.  

A year on, we remember the stories of bravery and heroism in the face of death, like Rachel who served cookies to the terrorists in her home which ultimately saved her life.  

We remember the youthful faces of those who just wanted to dance, whose lives were taken way too soon.  

We remember the 250 hostages abducted into Gaza. Some of them now tragically dead. Many of them imprisoned in Gaza.  

From October 8 last year though, the Jewish world came together. To support one another, to mourn our losses, and to support our sisters and brothers in Israel. 

Am Yisrael Chai became more than words – it became action. Community organisations worked together to provide information and events to bring the community together, grassroots initiatives provided a space to take action. We showed whoever was watching that we will not be broken. The Jewish people are resilient, we are proud, but we will never forget. 

Today, we pray for the safe return of the hostages, for peace in Israel, and for a strong and united Jewish community.