A solemn vigil in Kingwood, Texas, marked the one-year anniversary of the devastating October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israel, which claimed over 1,400 lives. The event, held at the Holocaust Garden of Hope in Kingwood’s King’s Harbor, drew community members and leaders to remember the victims and show solidarity with those still held hostage.
Organized by March of Remembrance Texas as part of the global March of Life movement, the vigil was a poignant tribute, featuring interfaith prayers, speeches, and the reading of victims’ names. The vigil started at 8:29 PM on October 6, 2024, coinciding with the exact time the attack began in Israel, creating a moment of reflection for attendees.
Dr. J. Doug Stringer, founder of Somebody Cares, led prayers for those still captive, for Israel, and for the United States Armed Forces. Mitch and Rozalie Jerome, founders of Holocaust Remembrance Association (HRA18), opened the event, while local leaders, including Pastors Andrew Heard and Rodney Sims, and Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger, shared words of solidarity. Music by Sheena Lewis and a video presentation by One with Israel in partnership with the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest helped underscore the importance of remembering the tragedy.
Hamas’s attack, which included rocket strikes, shootings, and abductions, left a deep scar on the global Jewish community. During the vigil, the names of 1,139 individuals who were either killed or abducted were read aloud, highlighting the human cost of the attack and the ongoing suffering of the 97 hostages, including seven Americans, still held by Hamas.
The vigil in Kingwood was part of a larger international movement to remember October 7, with over 100 events held simultaneously in countries across the globe, including in Berlin, Warsaw, Lima, and New York City. The March of Life movement continues to call for remembrance, reconciliation, and a stand against antisemitism, with participants across the world uniting under the shared message: “Never Forget October 7.”
The Holocaust Garden of Hope, which hosted the vigil, is part of the Holocaust Remembrance Association, dedicated to preserving the memory of past atrocities while addressing modern antisemitism. The event’s emotional and spiritual tone reflected the community’s commitment to ensuring that the memory of these tragedies remains vivid and that future generations learn from history’s darkest moments.
As HRA18 noted in a statement, “October 7th has shown us that when people believe lies, they are willing to go to great lengths to defend their positions. We need to counter that with information and truth. We also need to counter it with prayers.”
This event not only honored the victims but also served as a powerful reminder of the need for global unity in the face of hate.
