Jewish community leaders hold candles in remembrance of the lives lost on Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Chris Jennewein/Times of San Diego)
San Diego Jewish organizations marked the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 invasion of Israel by Hamas with a mixture of sadness for the loss of life and hope that peace in Gaza is finally at hand.
Hundreds gathered Thursday evening in The Sound at the Del Mar Fairgrounds to hear from Mayor Todd Gloria and Jewish community leaders followed by the multimedia experience of Project Heroes, an Israeli ensemble formed in the wake of the attack.
The event was planned before news broke of the peace deal brokered by President Trump that promises to release all of the hostages still in Hamas captivity.
“For the first time, we are allowing ourselves to contemplate a future — very soon — where all our hostages will be home,” said Charlene Seidle, president of the Jewish Community Foundation.
Her words were echoed by Mayor Todd Gloria, who told the crowd that “this news of a long-awaited potential return of hostages to families is an incredible joy to hear.”
The mayor of San Diego’s sister city of Sha’ar HaNegev, Ofir Liebstein, was killed in the attack, and Gloria offered a tribute to his memory — and insisted that “goodness, compassion and human connection” will endure even amid tragedy.
“That hope, and that belief, lives on in the words of a man that many of you knew and loved,” Gloria said.
After the speeches and prayers, the sounds and images of Project Heroes filled the live music venue.
Project Heroes blends live music, songs and videos with documentary scenes dedicated to honoring those who lost their lives on Oct. 7 while saving others. The nonprofit ensemble is currently touring the United States.
Gloria urged those in attendance to “please stay strong” and “hope for those hostages to return in the next few days.”
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