On October 7th, 2023, Hamas, the terrorist group in control of the Gaza strip, killed around 1,200 people in Israel. Hamas also took about 250 hostages in Gaza. Families were pulled apart and people went missing, a terrible tragedy. October 7th, 2024, marks the one year anniversary of these attacks. 

Remembering these attacks is of the utmost importance, especially considering how much they affected not only the people in Gaza, but also the people who have family and friends in the area, or people who live abroad (in America for example) who have relatives still living there. Both American presidential candidates have expressed their condolences on this event in several different ways. Vice President Kamala Harris planted a tree at the Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. and also read the names of seven hostages of Hamas who are American Citizens. Former President Trump visited a sacred site for Hasidic Jews in Queens, New York, where he met with many Jewish leaders and talked to them as well as paid his respects for the casualties and hostages. Both candidates showing their support was monumental in order to help their campaign as well as to express their sadness for the victims. Both candidates showing their respects was extremely important to comfort those whose loved ones were lost during these attacks, especially considering there are many families in America who have been affected by the attacks, with seven  American citizens remaining as hostages.

The one year mark of the Hamas attack is a prominent date, and with Americans still being held hostage in Gaza, October 7 will be remembered for years to come.