As the sun began to set one year after the October 7 attacks, people from around Baltimore filed into Beth El Congregation in Pikesville for a community-wide commemoration of that horrific day. Outside, posters of the many hostages taken by Hamas served as a stark reminder of the lasting effects of the attacks. Near the entrance, people placed rocks with messages of love and unity into a memory garden dedicated to the lives lost.
As approximately 1,400 attendees made their way to the sanctuary, they were adorned with small yellow ribbons and stickers depicting Anemone flowers — symbols of peace and support for Israel. An additional 800 viewers joined on the livestream.
Shortly after 7:00 p.m., the program began with opening remarks by Beth El’s Rabbi Dana Saroken. “In the book of Genesis, God sees Adam in the garden alone, and realizes it’s not good for man to be alone. It’s not good for anyone to be alone. This life is too hard to do alone,” she said as she addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of community and togetherness, especially in the face of tragedy.
