DALLAS — On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked the Nova Festival in Israel, killing more than 1,200 and taking over 200 hostages. In the year since the war in Gaza has killed more than 40,000 people and sparked deep divides over what a resolution looks like.
Across North Texas, communities have marked the anniversary with various events and protests. All calling for support of Israel, Palestine, or both in an effort to secure peace.
America for Israel held a Texas Tribute in Dallas, featuring speakers from IDF soldiers on the front lines, to a mother who lost her only son. Doris Liber sat down with WFAA to recount what happened a year ago.
“My son was taken brutally from the Nova Festival. A terrorist found him hiding under trees and took him out. Asked him to turn around, get down on your knees and he shot him twice in the back," Liber shared.
Students at UTD staged a walkout, demanding the university divest from weapons manufacturers supplying Israel.
“Today marks one year of the ongoing genocide in Gaza. A year where our people in Gaza have resisted the ongoing genocide. A year where the schools, hospital, and Mosques have been bombed by Israel," Student Leader Fatima Qasam said.
Pro-Palestine protests marking the anniversary began over the weekend, attended by people like Kasim Elkhalie who told WFAA, this cause is personal for him because, “This has been going on for 76 years, it’s not just on October 7. It’s been going on for 76 years. I am a product of that, born in a refugee camp.”
Liber joins Jewish communities and allies around the world asking for support.
“I need people to know the truth. More than that, I want people to stand with us in the light," Liber said.
There are more events marking October 7 in North Texas. Temple Emanu-El and the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas are hosting a community commemoration Monday evening at Congregation Shearith Israel.
Gov. Abbott called for Monday to be part of a statewide Day of Observance. He asked that Texans remember the seven Americans who remain hostages of Hames.
Gov. Abbott has also lowered the Texas and U.S. flags to half-staff and asked religious leaders to light a candle at their next service in observance.