SCRANTON, Pa. — Since the surprise Hamas-led terrorist attack at a music festival in Israel, one year has passed, and more than 42,000 people across Israel and Gaza are dead.
"October 7th is always going to be a, a markedly dark day. Unfortunately, it joins other dark days," said Jewish Federation of Northeastern Pennsylvania President David Fallk.
He spoke with Newswatch 16 at the Jewish Community Center in Scranton.
Here, workers are setting up displays ahead of a commemorative event, Honoring those who lost their lives and the many who are still missing.
"This is an empty Shabbat table, and it serves as a reminder of the hostages that were taken on October 7th," said Dan Cardonick, Scranton Jewish Community Center CEO.
As of Oct. 3, 112 of an estimated 250 hostages have come out of Gaza alive.
According to ABC News, more than 100 Israeli hostages remain, including women, children, and elderly adults. They are believed to still be held captive by Hamas.
"The feeling is that Israel has a right to live and they have a right to live in peace and those that will not allow them to live in peace need to be dealt with," said Fallk.
With new conflicts between Israel, Hamas, and another Iran-backed terrorist group, Hezbollah, increasing over the last few weeks, Fallk expects the war in Israel to continue.
"Israel will do what it has to do in order to survive in order to protect its people," said Fallk.
Israel: A year after the massacre will feature speakers, including those with family members in the army or among the missing.
The event at the Jewish Community Center in Scranton begins Monday at 7:00 p.m. and is open to the public.