Leaders reflect on the one-year anniversary of Oct. 7 attack.
Jennifer Weiss, CEO, Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey:
“This past year has been amongst the most challenging we’ve seen for the South Jersey Jewish community, particularly in the aftermath of the horrific attack on Oct. 7 by Hamas terrorists and the alarming rise of antisemitism here at home.
“It’s also been a year full of resilience, hope and strength, because the community has shown that they want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. We’ve come together like never before and I am so proud that our community raised $2.4M toward the Jewish Federation of North America’s Israel Emergency Campaign.”
Duvi Honig, CEO, Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce:
The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce has proactively responded to the tragic events of the Oct. 7 massacre by providing aid, toys and support to those affected. Leveraging our influence within the commercial sector, we have taken several bold steps to combat hate and anti-Semitism. We successfully halted a Hamas rally scheduled at the Hilton, demonstrated our collective power by boycotting Starbucks and demanding they address anti-Semitism within their stores, and testifying on Capitol Hill advocating for the defunding of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) over their alleged misuse of US taxpayers’ dollars to fund terror.
Read more from ROI-NJ:
For Jewish community, Oct. 7 is reminder that security is 365-day concern
Hardening a target: How one security team helps protect Jewish gathering places
Our commitment extended beyond immediate advocacy; we have recognized and honored Congressman Josh Gottheimer for introducing the HEAL Act, reinforcing the importance of educating the future to ensure “never again” resonates with our Department of Education across all 50 states. Furthermore, we have promoted the work of Holocaust survivor and world-renowned artist Morris Katz, sharing his powerful presidential collection message of patriotism and never again with thousands of schools. By collaborating with universities and their leadership, we are actively working to eradicate hate on college campuses.
Additionally, we organized the first Mission hosting an Empowerment Conference February in Israel in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and Choose New Jersey, assisting over 200 businesses affected by the ongoing war in Israel post-Oct. 7. Our organization established a division dedicated to enhancing community safety, securing grants for security enhancements, and partnering with US Customs and Border Control to aid those stranded in war zones as well as help create synergies between U.S. and Israeli Relations.
Through these initiatives, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our communities and promoting a united front against hate.
David Rosenberg, executive director, New Jersey Jewish Business Alliance:
“As the first anniversary of the Oct. 7th massacre in Southern Israel draws near, our thoughts are with the 104 hostages still enduring unimaginable hardships, including New Jersey’s own Edan Alexander. We hope for their swift and safe return.
Over the past year, the NJJBA has focused on delivering humanitarian aid to Israel and ensuring the safety of our members here in New Jersey. We have maintained communication with federal, state, and local law enforcement to monitor any potential threats. Given the increase in antisemitism, this year has been particularly challenging, but our dedication to these efforts remains unwavering.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D, 5th District):
“As we commemorate one year since Oct. 7, we honor the memory of the innocent civilians who were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists and we stand with our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel in its efforts to secure the safe return of the remaining hostages. We can never forget that Hamas terrorist terrorists launched a devastating attack against Israel, brutally murdering more than 1,200 people, and kidnapping more than 240 people – 101 people remain captive, including seven Americans.
“We must continue to combat the surge in antisemitism that has followed and ensure that Iran and its proxies, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Hezbollah, and the Houthis, are held accountable. This bipartisan resolution reaffirms America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and to the release of all the remaining hostages, including American citizens.”
