Geoff Bennett:
Welcome to the “News Hour.”
It was one year ago today that Hamas gunman launched a surprise terror attack on Israel, killing and wounding thousands and abducting hundreds more. In Israel and around the world, memorials marked a year of loss, a year of trauma, and a year of war that is still unfolding.
It was not yet dawn. Still, families of Israel’s victims had already gathered to remember, lighting candles and choking back tears for the more than 360 people who were killed at the site of a music festival one year ago.
When the sun finally rose, club music echoed. It was the last song that festivalgoers heard on October 7, 2023, before the shooting started, and in pain laid bare the solemn ceremony pierced by the anguished wail of a victim’s relative.
Families spoke of the moment that everything changed.
Shimon Buskila, Father of Victim: It seems to be like yesterday was the last day we saw him. For us, yesterday was the last day of the old life.