Remembering Oct. 7 attacks, virtually and at the Statehouse

LACONIA — Monday will mark one year since the coordinated attack on the civilian population in Israel. Locally, Temple B’nai Israel will be one of many Jewish organizations co-sponsoring a commemoration over Zoom on the evening of Sunday, Oct. 6, and a vigil will be held on Oct. 7 at the Statehouse.

The virtual meeting on Oct. 6, described as “A Statewide Memorial Service of Hope and Healing,” will begin at 7 p.m. and is being hosted by the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire as well as six NH congregations. The observance will be led by the Jewish Clergy Association of NH and leaders of the Federation.

Pre-registration is required, visit jewishnh.org for more information.

Temple B’nai Israel is also among the sponsors of the vigil of “Memory and Hope” scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the New Hampshire Statehouse in Concord.

Barbara Katz, a board member of Temple B’nai Israel, said the local congregation decided to collaborate with other organizations because the event is falling during the Jewish High Holy Days. “The federation seemed to be taking a lead in our statewide service,” Katz said, adding that because of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, “we didn’t have the wherewithal to do something here.”

She said the decision had nothing to do with safety or security. On the contrary, she reported the local congregation has a “robust” security strategy that enjoys the full support of the law enforcement.

“The Laconia Police Department has our back,” Katz said. Temple B’nai Israel, like other congregations in New Hampshire and around the country, has been targeted with threats of violence, and as a result the temple has requested special police details during services.

Speaking on Thursday, Katz said, “Today is the first day of Rosh Hashanah, and who pops out of the cruiser but [Chief] Matt Canfield,” Katz said. “He chose to come and be our security for the day, knowing how important it was.

"To me, that was very impressive and very indicative of Laconia an the love and support of the community for Temple B’nai Israel.”