Our hearts are filled with grief

The Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities (Mazsihisz) solemnly commemorates the most serious terrorist attack in the history of the modern Jewish state, which struck Israel two years ago, on October 7, 2023. We remember the victims, the wounded, and the abducted hostages.

On that day, during the attack launched from the Gaza Strip, the terrorist organization Hamas brutally murdered more than 1,200 Israelis — soldiers and civilians alike, including many children, women, pregnant women, and the elderly. Approximately 251 people were taken hostage to the Gaza Strip, many of whom remain in captivity to this day.

The perpetrators must have known that such a ruthless massacre would not go without consequences, and that the State of Israel would not stand by idly as its civilians were attacked on its own soil. The terrorists knew this — and yet they did not care.

In the war that has continued since, the State of Israel has been defending its existence and the safety of its citizens, while Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. While recognizing the legitimacy of the war forced upon Israel by this attack, Mazsihisz firmly maintains that assaults and acts of terror deliberately targeting civilians are always crimes, regardless of who commits them.

In this spirit, we join together in remembrance, honoring the memory of all innocent victims. We remember those who have lost loved ones, and those who survived the horrors but continue to bear physical and emotional scars.

We draw particular attention to the inhumane situation of the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas and urge the international community to take all possible measures to secure their swift and safe release.

Mazsihisz reaffirms its solidarity with Jewish communities around the world and with all people — Jewish and non-Jewish alike — who live in fear and uncertainty caused by terrorism. We remain steadfast in our commitment to peace, and to the protection of human life and dignity above all else.