365 Days of Hope memorial in Philadelphia honors those killed by Hamas

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Monday, October 7, marks one year since Hamas launched an attack on Israel.

On Sunday night, hundreds of people gathered at Independence Mall in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood for the '365 Days of Hope' event.

Organizers displayed about 1,600 bags with pictures of victims and an Israeli flag on them and held a candlelight vigil to remember those who were killed by Hamas.

The event was also in support of those who remained hostage.

"We have to remember those people who actually gave their lives to save ours and save our families," said Dafna Ofer, who helped organize the event.

"We're stillon October 7of 2023," said Danielle Gutman, whose relative remains in captivity. "We haven't processed anything that happened because we're reliving it every day and with our relatives being there, it's just impossible to heal."

Local speakers affected by the war shared their powerful stories on stage while others wore shirts or carried lanterns bearing a victim's face and name.

Jacob Weiner, 17, was studying abroad in Israelon October 7.

"It was frightening," said Weiner. "We heard the bombs exploding overhead, the interceptions with the Iron Dome, and spent that whole day in a bomb shelter."

Those who spoke said they hoped their painful experiences remain on the minds of many as they continue to push for peace and freedom.

"We don't want this war," said Weiner. "None of us wanted this, and we want it to end just as much as anyone else, but we cannot abandon our hostages. We cannot abandon those who live in the north. We have to stay active. We have to speak up."